Air Quality Alert Issued For Multiple MA Counties

BOSTON, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is issuing an air quality alert due to an expected increase in ozone levels in the eastern part of the state.

The alert will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13 in the eastern parts of Essex and Norfolk counties, as well as in Suffolk, Plymouth, Bristol and Barnstable counties.

Air in these areas is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, which include people with heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers and those who are active outdoors. People with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to ozone.

MassDEP advises sensitive groups to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion; take more breaks, do less intense activities, follow asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

More details are available, including forecasts and real-time data, at MassDEP's MassAir Online site here.