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Canadian Fires: Air Quality 'Unhealthy' Across State, Deep Warns Of Health Hazards

Connecticut officials have issued a new warn for residents to expect heavy smoke conditions as wildfires continue to burn in Canada.

The heavy smoke across the state.

The heavy smoke across the state.

Photo Credit: DEEP

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) officials said the levels for Wednesday, June 7 have exceeded "unhealthy" for the entire state.

That's especially worrisome for small children, people suffering from respiratory problems and the elderly, DEEP said. 

"When air quality is forecasted to be unhealthy, there is an increased likelihood for all individuals for aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly," DEEP said. "There are also increased respiratory effects in the general population."

Major wildfires are still burning across Quebec, most of which are out of control. The wildfire smoke from Quebec is being funneled into Connecticut because of a stalled upper-level low-pressure system over Nova Scotia. 

With this weather pattern, winds at all levels of the atmosphere are from the north and northwest and these winds will persist through Wednesday, DEEP said.

Several cities and towns are also issuing warnings and have canceled outdoor activities for school children. 

For more information, visit the DEEP air quality page here.

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