[DEHC] Air quality alert for all of MA for TODAY, May 16, 2007.

[Rosanne.Foley at codman.org]

Today's air quality is MODERATE. [yellow]
Soon, look for the flag indicating the day's air quality at key locations 
in Dorchester


Air Quality Forecast:

Massachusetts DEP and EPA expect elevated levels of fine particles
today, May 16, for all of Massachusetts.  These agencies are asking
people to avoid burning and other activities that create smoke and air
pollution.

Who does particle pollution affect?

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

How do fine particles affect human health?

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 levels of fine particles from smoke and
air pollution 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?

Maps showing real-time particle levels throughout New England are
available at www.epa.gov/ne/aqi.  Updated air quality forecasts are also
available at this web site.

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 particle pollution?

When fine particle concentrations in the ambient air are elevated,
people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children
should limit prolonged exertion. Unlike ozone, however, fine particle
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 elevated particle levels, and what can I do to help?

Particle pollution is produced by a wide variety of natural and manmade
sources.  Major sources of particle pollution are factories, power
plants, trash incinerators, motor vehicles, including diesel engines,
construction activity, fires, and natural windblown dust.  Of particular
concern in the wintertime are fine particles released by smoke from
fireplaces, wood stoves and outdoor burning.  This smoke can accumulate,
especially in valley areas, when a temperature inversion traps a layer
of cold air near the ground.

When forecasters at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection predict elevated levels of fine particles, everyone should
take action to reduce the threat.  Actions that help include:

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

- Limit motor vehicle idling;

- Help reduce emissions from power plants by turning off lights,
computer screens, and other electrical appliances when not in use; and

- Avoid any kind of wood burning or open burning when elevated levels of
fine particles are expected.  Household trash and garbage should never be 
burned.

To reduce particle pollution in the long run:

- Consider upgrading to an EPA-certified wood stove or other
clean-burning technology (see
http://www.epa.gov/airprogm/oar/woodstoves/),

- Remember to properly maintain all wood stoves and fireplaces, and

- Weatherize your home.

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.