Poor Air Quality Notice from CT DPH

Published on June 07, 2023

The Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends that people with asthma or heart and lung conditions should avoid outdoor exercise today because of unhealthy air quality from elevated levels of smoke from wildfires in Canada. Check the Air Quality Index for the forecast in your area.

Air quality in some parts of the state is predicted to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups because of elevated levels of smoke. 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.

Read their full Press Release here.(PDF, 104KB)  

Closing windows and doors will help keep smoke out of your home and help protect you and your family.

• DPH encourages schools, day care providers, summer camps and elder care/senior centers to subscribe to the AirNow for real-time updates in their cities/towns. See the charts below for information on school activities and messaging.
• Those with underlying medical conditions, children, and the elderly are considered sensitive populations and are most at risk for experiencing symptoms from elevated air pollution that is expected today and should remain indoors.
• The Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends that people with asthma, and heart and lung conditions avoid outdoor exercise today (6/7).
• The health effects from air pollution can include chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, throat irritation, respiratory tract and eye burning, chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, and other symptoms. Asthma symptoms may flare up as well.
• When possible, avoid any outdoor exercise today (6/7) if you have lung or heart conditions and seek medical attention if these symptoms worsen.
• 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.
• DPH recommends that those with underlying medical conditions should be sure to have their medications readily available and seek medical attention if these issues worsen.
• Wearing a KN95 or N95 is effective at filtering smoke. If you have some at home, consider wearing them while outdoors until the air quality improves.

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Contact the Manchester Health Department