Press Releases
07/27/2021
Elevated Levels of Fine Particles in Air This Evening Due to Western Wildfires
Levels Ranging From Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy Levels Throughout the State, Except for Litchfield County, Until 11 p.m. Tonight
(HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is issuing an air quality alert for all of Connecticut today, except for Litchfield County. The smoke plume from the western wildfires that passed over Connecticut produced unhealthy fine particle (PM2.5) levels across the entire state yesterday. These fine particles became trapped in the lower atmosphere overnight and have been slow to disperse this morning. DEEP encourages residents to limit outdoor activities today until 11 p.m.
Until about 11 p.m. tonight, fine particle levels will reach unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy levels throughout Connecticut, except Litchfield County, where levels will be high-moderate.
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Everyone else – takeany of these steps to reduce your exposure:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
For more information on air quality, including DEEP’s daily Air Quality Index, go here.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110