NHDES Declares Air Quality Action Days

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is expecting concentrations of fine particle air pollution to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive individuals Statewide starting the afternoon of July 17 through July 18. In addition, NHDES is expecting concentrations of ground-level ozone to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive individuals in coastal Rockingham County during the afternoon of July 17.

NHDES officials are calling for Air Quality Action Days and advise sensitive individuals to take precautions to protect their health by limiting prolonged outdoor exertion. Sensitive individuals include children and older adults; anyone with lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis; and people who are active outdoors. Even healthy individuals may experience mild health effects and should consider limiting strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities.

The particle air pollution event is the result of extensive wildfires in western Canada. Wind patterns are forecasted to transport waves of smoke from these fires across much of New England and New Hampshire. In addition to the health effects, these smoke plumes also diffract light causing a hazy appearance in the sky and reduced visibility of distant objects. Air quality is predicted to improve by Tuesday afternoon when winds are forecasted to transport the smoke away from New Hampshire. Should air quality concerns extend into Wednesday or beyond, additional advisories will be issued as needed.

The ozone air pollution event is the result of winds transporting pollutant emissions into New Hampshire from surrounding areas, which combine with local emissions. High temperatures and sunny skies then enhance the creation of ozone from these precursor pollutants. Conditions are expected to improve late evening tonight as temperatures cool.

The severity of the health effects increases as concentrations increase. Symptoms of particle pollution exposure may include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Symptoms of ozone exposure may include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. People with asthma and other existing lung diseases may not be able to breathe as deeply or vigorously as normal and may experience symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.

For further information, call NHDES at (603) 271-1370. Visit our website for air quality forecasts, current air pollution levels in New Hampshire or 1-800-935-SMOG. 

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