CTairquality may be unhealthy for some people today from Canada wildfire smoke, officials say

Jul. 18—But the air quality could be worse in the northwestern part of the state. In Litchfield County, the air quality index in Cornwall is forecast to reach 102 for fine particulate pollution, which would be "unhealthy for sensitive groups."

An air quality alert for fine particulate has been issued across Litchfield County until midnight, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasted levels for fine particulate pollution will be close to that threshold in Waterbury, where the air quality index is expected to reach 99 and Danbury, where it's expected to reach 97.

As of 3 p.m., Cornwall's air quality index was recorded at 84, the highest in the state at the time. Other cities with moderate air quality include Hartford, Waterbury, Danbury and Bridgeport.

On Wednesday, DEEP forecast Connecticut's air quality to be slightly improved, though "moderate" levels are expected in Greenwich, Groton, Madison, New Haven, Stratford and Westport.

In a later release, DEEP said officials are expecting smoke from wildfires over Quebec to elevate fine particulate matter levels Tuesday and Wednesday. It said levels are expected to reach unhealthy status for sensitive groups for northwest Connecticut starting on Tuesday, but would spread across the entire state on Wednesday.

When air quality is forecasted to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, DEEP said, there is an increased likelihood for people in that demographic to experience health effects. It said the Connecticut Department of Public Health 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.

DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani said people in sensitive groups also should have medications readily available and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

"In Connecticut, during periods of poor air quality, we have seen more children over the age of 5 visiting the emergency department for asthma-related symptoms," she said. "Staying indoors is the best way to reduce exposure."

Everyone else should reduce long or intense activities outdoors, DEEP said, adding, it is important to take more breaks during outdoor activities.

Fine particulate pollution, the type associated with wildfire smoke events, refers to tiny particles that become suspended in the air. The particulate matter is incredibly small — 2.5 micrometers or smaller, which is a fraction of the width of a human hair. The pollutants pose a risk to people because they can inhale them deep into their lungs. That can then increase peoples' risk of heart attacks, aggravate lung or heart conditions and cause symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

A map of fire and smoke incidents shows a thick haze of smoke across the western side of Connecticut, with smoke present over the entire state.

The levels of pollution forecasted for Tuesday in Connecticut are far below the amounts seen early last month, when winds pushed massive plumes of smoke into the Northeast from Canadian wildfires, choking the skies in a thick orangy haze.

The EPA warned of elevated air pollution from the fires earlier this week. As in previous smoke events this summer, the plume may produce hazy skies and an odor of burning wood, the agency said.

"The primary concern is high concentrations of fine particle air pollution that is unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups such as people with respiratory disease, the elderly, or people with compromised health," the news release said.

As of early Tuesday, air quality monitoring sites around Connecticut were showing "good" or "moderate" air quality for fine particulate pollution and levels of ground-level ozone, another pollutant that can cause irritation.

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Live map: See the air quality near you in CT

On days when air quality levels are unhealthy for sensitive groups due to fine particulate pollution, the EPA says children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions "should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion."

Experts recommend taking steps like staying indoors and putting on the air conditioning. Air filtration systems, including DIY versions made with a box fan and one or more air filters, may also provide some relief, experts said.

Staff writer Liz Hardaway contributed to this report.