PORTLAND, Maine — The Environmental Protection Agency said air quality forecasters are predicting poor air quality for parts of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut on Wednesday.
Experts say the air quality is unhealthy for “sensitive groups” including those with lung diseases such as asthma, older adults, children and teens, and people who are active outdoors. Forecasters said the shift in air quality is because of elevated ground-level ozone, the EPA shared Wednesday in a news release.
"Ground-level ozone forms when volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen (ozone precursors) interact in the presence of strong sunshine," the agency explained. "Cars, trucks, and buses emit most of the pollution that creates ozone. Emissions from power plants, industrial solvents, and chemical manufacturing, gasoline stations, paints, insecticides, household cleaners, as well as lawn and garden equipment also add to the ozone formation. The sun's direct ultraviolet rays convert these emissions into ground-level ozone, which is unhealthy to breathe."
What areas are affected?
The westernmost parts of Connecticut, Central and Eastern Massachusetts (including Boston), Southern New Hampshire, and higher elevations of Acadia National Park in Maine, are expected to be impacted, the release stated.
These locations are subject to change. For the most recent updates, click here.
"EPA and the medical community advise people to limit any strenuous outdoor activity when poor air quality is expected. When ozone levels are elevated, people should refrain from strenuous outdoor activity, especially sensitive populations such as children and adults with respiratory problems," the agency advised. "Due to climate change, these kinds of air quality events may increase in frequency and those communities already vulnerable and overburdened may be impacted by unhealthy air quality."
What can you do?
During air quality alert days, the EPA encourages everyone to take steps to reduce air pollution, by using public transportation, combining errands and carpooling, avoiding using gas-powered lawnmowers, and avoiding burning leaves or making campfires.
It is also important to reduce your household energy usage during poor air quality events. Set your air conditioners to a higher temperature, and turn off unnecessary lights, equipment, and appliances, according to the EPA.
For more information, check out the following links:
- National real-time air quality data (free iPhone and Android apps) AirNowReal-time ozone data and air quality forecasts EPA New England’s AQI Air Quality Index (AQI)
- Real-time ozone data and air quality forecasts EPA New England’s AQI Air Quality Index (AQI)
- Air Quality Alerts EnviroFlash
- EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program