Press Releases
07/01/2023
DEEP Forecasts PM2.5 Levels on Saturday will be “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” for the Entire State from Canadian Wildfire Smoke; DPH Shares Health Effects Information and Suggests Protective Measures
(HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is expecting smoke from wildfires over Quebec to elevate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels on Saturday, July 1. These levels are expected to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) levels for the entire state.The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) also is issuing guidance and information on protective measures. Ozone levels (smog) are also expected to reach USG levels in Fairfield and New Haven counties.
For Sunday, DEEP forecasts PM2.5 levels will be Moderate statewide as scattered showers move through the state. Ozone levels will be Good.
Health Effects of PM 2.5 Air Pollution
When air quality is forecasted to be USG, there is an increased likelihood for members of sensitive groups to experience health effects. DPH recommends that those in sensitive populations, which includes children, seniors, and those with heart or lung disease, limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous outdoor exercise. Everyone else should reduce long or intense activities outdoors. Also, it is important to take more breaks during outdoor activities.
“Heading into the holiday weekend, we will still see air quality impacts in Connecticut from burning Canadian wildfires,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to reach levels that will be unhealthy for sensitive groups. We recommend that children and adults with respiratory disease follow guidance from the Connecticut Department of Public Health to protect themselves from experiencing symptoms from elevated air pollution. Air quality awareness is important, and we encourage residents to sign up to receive our daily air quality forecasts on the DEEP website, or visit AirNow.gov to stay apprised of local air quality.”
“When air quality is forecasted to be in the USG category, there is an increased likelihood for all members of sensitive groups to experience health effects. DPH recommends that those in sensitive populations, which includes children, seniors, and those with heart or lung disease, limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous outdoor exercise,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Those in sensitive groups also should have medications readily available and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. During the last instance of poor air quality from wildfires, we saw a rise in asthma-related visits to the emergency department, particularly in children over the age of 5 years. Staying indoors is the best way to reduce exposure.”
How do Forest Fires in Quebec Impact Connecticut?
Major wildfires are still burning across Quebec. The wildfire smoke from Quebec has pushed through New York State into Connecticut. Saturday, winds will continue to be southerly, allowing for the plume to continue to push into Connecticut. The following image shows the smoke plumes from the EPA Fire and Smoke Map. The satellite image from today shows a thick smoke plume throughout Connecticut, with an even a thicker smoke plume over New York State into Canada. Currently, the PM2.5 levels in Connecticut are in the moderate to unhealthy range.
EPA Fire and Smoke Map, June 30, 2023, 3:55 p.m., showing smoke plume over New England and elevated PM2.5 levels.
Visible Satellite Map, June 30, 2023, 3:45 p.m., showing smoke plume over Connecticut.
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Ambient Air Monitoring
DEEP monitors, tracks, and forecasts daily air quality levels across Connecticut for ozone from May 1st through September 30th each year and for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) each day of the year. On April 30, 2023, DEEP began informing Connecticut’s regulated community and the general public of the ozone season via the State of Connecticut E-mail list serve and posting air quality forecasts on the DEEP web page, available here.
DEEP encourages daycare providers, summer camps and elder/senior centers to subscribe to the Air Quality Index (AQI). Subscribing to the AQI is fast and easy and will provide you with important information each day about Connecticut’s air quality through the spring and summer. The AQI link provides facts and information regarding ground-level ozone, its health effects, what to do on a high ozone day, and most importantly what you can do to help reduce ground level ozone in your backyard.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110