Air Quality
AIR QUALITY INFORMATION
Air Quality Update - CT Dept of Public Health Air Quality Information, click here
Air Pollution and Your Health, click here
Air Quality and Allergy Forecast, click here
Air Quality in our area has been mostly good, but there have been periodic episodes when we are affected by nearby (and sometimes far away occurrences).
The advisory language below is from an advisory from early June and has expired but contains helpful information and links
Air Quality Advisory
With the unhealthy air quality from elevated levels of smoke from the wildfires in Canada, the CT Department of Public Health (CT DPH) is recommending that people with asthma or heart and lung conditions avoid outdoor exercise today.
Here in Newtown, in response to current air quality, many organizations that serve our community, with a particular focus on our most vulnerable (children, elderly and those who may be more susceptible due to their health status), have decided to limit outdoor exposure especially involving increased exertion. Such modifications are certainly voluntary on an individual basis, but with an abundance of caution, activities that involve bringing groups together outdoors without knowing individual risk are being canceled, postponed or brought indoors.
CT DPH recommends residents be cautious about exercise and outdoor activities due to the poor air quality. DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD emphasized “The health effects for some people may include chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, eye irritation, chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, and other symptoms. We recommend that you avoid any outdoor exercise today if you have an underlying health condition. Be sure to have your medications readily available and seek medical attention if these issues worsen.”
Children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart and lung conditions are most at risk for experiencing symptoms from elevated air pollution that is expected today. Even healthy adults who spend prolonged periods outdoors working or exercising should minimize their outdoor exertion because poor air quality can impact even those not considered vulnerable.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) monitors the state’s air quality and posts air quality forecasts each day on the Air Quality Index (AQI). CT DPH encourages schools, day care providers, summer camps and elder care/senior centers to subscribe to the Air Quality Index (ct.gov) . Subscribing is fast and easy and will provide you with important information each day about Connecticut’s air quality throughout the spring and summer.
In addition, individuals can visit www.AirNow.gov and search the current air quality for their zip code or do the same by downloading the mobile AirNow app. The air quality for Wednesday June 7, shows most of Connecticut is listed as Unhealthy due to wildfire smoke from Canada; this is expected to continue into Thursday as well.
The Newtown Health District is monitoring air quality information as it becomes available due to the wildfires, and will share updates accordingly.