How long will the haze last? What to know about air quality and smoky conditions in CT
The smoke coming from the Canadian wildfires is causing more than just a smoky smell in the air, it is causing many people to have breathing issues due to the poor air quality.
In Connecticut, air quality issues started Monday evening with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issuing an unhealthy for sensitive groups rating. That warning lasted through Tuesday. On Wednesday, the department said the air quality was unhealthy for everyone.
The haze is expected to last until midnight Thursday, according to the state Department of Health and the National Weather Service - New York City. It is a similar forecast and alert that has been issued for much of the eastern half of the United States.
What is the air quality around Eastern Connecticut?
A satisfactory rating on the air quality index is 100 or lower. As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, places near Norwich had Unhealthy air quality index ratings, with 174 in Groton, 168 in Waterford, and 160 in Moosup, according to the Airnow.gov website.
How small are the particles in the air due to the Canadian wildfires?
The types of particles carried by the winds are PM 2.5, which are fine, inhalable particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller. This is close to 30 times smaller than the diameter of a single hair. These particles can be inhaled and cause problems, according to the EPA’s website.
How to protect yourself during a poor air quality alert
People should stay inside as much as possible, and limit their outdoor activities. The health warnings are the greatest for people with asthma and heart and lung conditions. Some health effects from the reduced air quality include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, eye irritation, chest pain, dizziness, and lightheadedness, according to the state Department of Public Health press release.
What is canceled due to the air quality reports in Connecticut
The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference rescheduled Wednesday games for the state lacrosse tournament due to the air quality issue, and tennis for consistency. The lacrosse games were rescheduled for Thursday, weather permitting.
Patrick McCormack, director of health for the Uncas Health District, said he’s been informing schools, municipalities, recreation departments, and TVCCA about air quality issues, but each school will make its own decision about outdoor activities and recess. They can also have alternate options for high risk students. He also heard from a parent that kept their student home due to the poor air quality on Wednesday.
Why you should pay attention to the air quality, especially in the summer
While the air quality has been labeled unhealthy, the messaging could do better in explaining things to people, McCormack said
“It’s not just the quality of the air at any given time, it’s the individual themselves and how they’d respond to it,” he said.
People should monitor the air quality every day in the summer. Air quality can also be affected by where people live, humidity and more. Talking to employers or schools about accommodations, doing activities on a different day, or more frequent breaks should be considered, McCormack said.
“All those are the same discussion points we’d have if they were dealing with a heat issue or a pollen issue,” he said.
Connecticut map: Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts and current conditions
Connecticut wildfire, smoke map: Track latest wildfires, red flag warnings
What is happening with Canadian wildfires
Ongoing wildfires in Quebec are the source of the haze. They’ve been funneled into Connecticut due to a stalled upper level low pressure system in Nova Scotia, according to the DEEP press release.
People should be more careful around fire, not flicking lit cigarette butts and leaving fires unattended, and be thankful for the work firefighters do, said Sue Starkey, director of health for the Northeast District Department of Health.
East Coast blasted by smoke: As Canada burns, smoke makes US air unhealthy and skies eerie. Is climate change to blame?
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Eastern CT deals with poor air quality from wildfires: What to know
