Unhealthy Air Quality Expected on Saturday

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is forecasting unhealthy air quality for “sensitive groups” on Saturday, July 7 due to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution for most of Connecticut except for Litchfield County. 

Saturday's forecast calls for isolated showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m., with a high near 95.

A forecast of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” indicates increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in active children and adults with respiratory disease, such as asthma. 

Ground level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC.

Link to current Air Quality Levels in CT

Health Effects:

Anyone can be affected by ozone, but groups particularly sensitive include children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma.  Sensitive people who experience effects at lower ozone concentrations are likely to experience more serious effects at higher concentrations. 

What You Can Do to Help:

Connecticut experienced fourteen unhealthy air quality days during 2011.  With the early onset of warmer temperatures this year, Connecticut experienced its first unhealthy air day on April 15.  When air pollution levels are predicted to be “unhealthy for sensitive groups” DEEP recommends:

• Conserving electricity by setting air conditioners to 78o;
• “Wait ‘til 8” to use energy intensive appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers;
• Driving less by carpooling, vanpooling or using public transit;
• Telecommuting if possible;
• Refueling your vehicle after dusk and never idling a vehicle unnecessarily

Information provided by the Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection.