Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
BOSTON (May 22, 2024) – Air quality forecasters in New England predict unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups due to elevated ground-level ozone levels. Sensitive groups include individuals with lung diseases such as asthma, older adults, children and teenagers, and those who are active outdoors.
The affected areas on Wednesday, May 22 include the westernmost parts of Connecticut, central and eastern Massachusetts (including Boston), southern New Hampshire, and higher elevations of Acadia National Park in Maine. These locations are subject to change; current conditions can be monitored via EPA New England's AQI Air Quality Index.
With hot weather anticipated, the EPA and state air quality forecasters advise limiting strenuous outdoor activities when poor air quality is expected. Elevated ozone levels can cause breathing difficulties, aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. Sensitive populations should particularly avoid strenuous outdoor activity during these times.
Ground-level ozone forms when volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen interact under strong sunlight. Major sources include emissions from vehicles, power plants, industrial solvents, gasoline stations, paints, insecticides, household cleaners, and lawn equipment. Direct ultraviolet rays from the sun convert these emissions into ground-level ozone.
The public can help reduce air pollution by using public transportation, combining errands to reduce driving time and mileage, avoiding small gasoline-powered engines like lawn mowers and leaf blowers, refueling vehicles in the early morning or at night during hot weather, and avoiding burning leaves or using fire pits.
Reducing household energy usage is also recommended during poor air quality events. This includes setting air conditioners to a higher temperature and turning off unnecessary lights and appliances. The EPA's ENERGY STAR Program offers guidance on improving home energy efficiency.
The current ozone standard is 0.070 parts per million (ppm).
For more information:
- Real-time ozone data: EPA New England's AQI Air Quality Index
- National real-time air quality data: AirNow app (available for iPhone and Android)
- Air Quality Alerts: EnviroFlash
- Energy efficiency tips: EPA's ENERGY STAR Program
