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On Friday, June 30, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said smoke from wildfires over Quebec is expected to elevate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels across the entire state.
When air quality is forecasted to be unhealthy, there is an increased likelihood for everyone and especially members of sensitive groups to experience health effects, DEEP said.
Health officials recommend that those in sensitive populations, which includes children, seniors, and those with heart or lung disease, limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
Everyone else should reduce long or intense activities outdoors. Also, it is important to take more breaks during outdoor activities.
“We are once again experiencing impacts in Connecticut from burning Canadian wildfires,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to reach unhealthy levels."
State Department of Health officials said residents should take precautions to protect themselves, including closing windows and doors to help keep smoke out of the home.
“The health effects for some people may include chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, eye irritation, chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, and other symptoms," said DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani,
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