Warning: Unhealthy Air Pollution Levels Exist in Parts of NH

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) issued a warning on July 28, 2016, and stated that the department is expecting air pollution concentrations to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive individuals in Rockingham County, according to a press statement. NHDES officials are calling for an "Air Quality Action Day" and advise sensitive individuals in this area to take precautions to protect their health by limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, according to Jim Martin, a public information officer for the department.

"Sensitive individuals include children and older adults; anyone with lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis; and people who are active outdoors," he said. "Even healthy individuals may experience mild health effects and should consider limiting strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities."

NHDES forecasts unhealthy concentrations of ground-level ozone (the main component of smog) for sensitive individuals in the above-mentioned region. The expected unhealthy air quality is due to the persistence of high temperatures under sunny skies and light winds transporting pollution into New Hampshire from surrounding areas. Conditions are expected to improve on Friday as lower temperatures, clouds, and cleaner air move into the region. Conditions could begin improving as early as Thursday afternoon depending on when exactly the anticipated cloud cover arrives.

"Symptoms of ozone exposure include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain when inhaling deeply, and shortness of breath," he added. "The severity of the health effects increases as ozone concentrations increase."

For further information, contact NHDES at 603-271-1370. For air quality forecasts and current air pollution levels in New Hampshire, call 1-800-935-SMOG or visit the NHDES website at airquality.nh.gov.