Air Pollution Levels Will Be Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups On Wednesday

Air pollution levels of ground-level ozone and/or particles on Wednesday, July 6 will be unhealthy for sensitive groups in New London and surrounding towns, says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"During the warm seasons, unhealthy ground-level ozone concentrations may cause a variety of respiratory problems including breathing difficulty, coughing, and throat irritation," the EPA said in a prepared release. " In the cold season, particle pollution predominates. Health effects such as: aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, nonfatal heart attacks, and even pre-mature death in people with heart and lung disease; have also been linked with prolonged exposure of particles."

The state Department of Environmental Protection also issued an air quality action day Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. for southern New London, southern Middlesex and southern New Haven counties.

"An air quality action day means that ground level ozone within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards," said the National Weather Service, which issued a bulletin on the alert.

For more information about the alert issued by the state, visit the state Department of Environemental Protection's web site.

Extended weather forecast

The weather forecast in Groton through the end of the week is as follows, according to the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming south between 7 and 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. West wind between 6 and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. West wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Tips to reduce ozone levels

The state EPA also gave these tips for reducing ozone pollution:

·Conserve energy at home and at work by setting your [air conditioner] thermostat at a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter.
·Choose a cleaner commute: share a ride or use public transportation.
·During winter-time particulate matter events, cut back on wood stove use during stagnant atmospheric conditions.
·Reduce use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.
·Refuel motor vehicles after dusk.
·Combine errands and reduce trips. Limit engine idling.
·Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when unhealthy air is forecast.

For further information, visit the CTDEP air quality web site at:
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2222&q=320646&depNav_GID=1744