[DEHC] air quality forecast for Weds June 27

[Rosanne.Foley at codman.org]

Air Quality Forecast:

MA DEP and EPA predict air quality on Wednesday, June 27 to be unhealthy
statewide due to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone, commonly
called smog.

These agencies also expect unhealthy levels of particulate matter on
Wednesday.

Who does ground-level ozone and particulate matter affect?

Anyone can be affected by ozone, but groups particularly sensitive
include children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with
respiratory disease, such as asthma.  Sensitive people who experience
effects at lower ozone concentrations are likely to experience more
serious effects at higher concentrations.  Still, even the healthiest
people may find it difficult to breathe when ozone levels are very high.

When particulate concentrations in the ambient air are elevated, people
with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the
groups most at risk.

How does ozone and particulate matter affect human health?

Exposure to elevated ozone levels can cause serious breathing problems,
it can aggravate asthma and other pre-existing lung diseases, and it can
make people more susceptible to respiratory infection.  The most common
symptoms of ozone exposure are coughing, pain when taking a deep breath,
and for people with respiratory disease, shortness of breath.

Very small particles are more likely to travel deep in the respiratory
system, and be deposited deep in the lungs where they can be trapped on
membranes. Exposure to elevated particulate levels can increase the
likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravate
heart or lung disease and cause premature mortality in persons with
cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly.

Where can I get more information on current and predicted air quality?

An animated map showing "real-time" ozone levels throughout the
Northeast and a forecast map of tomorrow's predicted air quality are
available from EPA’s web page at www.epa.gov/ne/aqi.  Also at this web
site is an interactive tool that allows individuals to access the most
recent air quality index reading for ozone monitors in their area.

Air quality forecasts for Massachusetts are available from the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Air Quality
Hotline at 1-800-882-1497 or at www.mass.gov/air.

How can I limit exposure to ozone and particulate matter?

All people, especially children, should limit strenuous outdoor activity
during the afternoon and early evening hours, when ozone levels are
highest. Schedule outdoor exercise and children's outdoor activities in
the morning hours.

When particulate concentrations in the ambient air are elevated, people
with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit
prolonged exertion. Unlike ozone, however, particulate concentrations
can be elevated throughout the day, and thus affected individuals are
not recommended to simply reschedule their exercise to the morning
hours.

What causes ground-level ozone, and what can I do to help?

Ground level ozone, or smog, forms during the warm weather when
pollution from sources like vehicles, industry, households, and power
plants bakes in the hot sun.  When forecasters at the Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection predict unhealthy air, everyone
should take ozone action to reduce the threat.  It is easy, and it can
really make a difference:

· Avoid unnecessary use of gasoline-powered lawn mowers, chain saws, and
other power equipment;

· Take public transportation, carpool with colleagues, and combine
errands into one trip;

· Help reduce emissions from power plants by turning air conditioners to
a higher temperature and turning off lights, computer screens, and other
electrical appliances when not in use; and

· Go to the gas station at night to cut down on gasoline vapors getting
into the air during daylight hours when the sun can cook the vapors and
form ozone.

What causes elevated particulate matter levels, and what can I do to
help?

Particulate matter is produced by a wide variety of natural and manmade
sources.  Major sources of particulate pollution are factories, power
plants, trash incinerators, motor vehicles, including diesel engines,
construction activity, fires, and natural windblown dust.  In the
wintertime, wood smoke is also a contributor to ambient particulate
levels.

As with ozone, when forecasters at the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection predict elevated levels of particulate matter,
everyone should take action to reduce the threat.  Actions that help
include:

· Take public transportation, carpool with colleagues, and combine
errands into one trip;
· Help reduce emissions from power plants by turning air conditioners to
a higher temperature and turning off lights, computer screens, and other
electrical appliances when not in use; and
· Avoid any kind of wood burning or open burning.

For more information about car-free transportation alternatives, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/region1/topics/air/carfree.html.

Who can I call if I have questions on air quality?

If you have any questions about air quality issues, please call the
EPA’s toll-free Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-821-1237 or the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection at 617-292-5500.