[WestMALocals] Air quality alert for Central & Western MA for today

[kate harris]

Date: Thu, 09 Jun 2005 11:13:27 -0400
From: r1.smogalert at epamail.epa.gov

Air Quality Forecast:

Massachusetts DEP and EPA expect air quality on Thursday, June 9, 2005, to 
be unhealthy in Central and Western Massachusetts due to elevated 
concentrations of ground-level ozone, commonly called smog.

Who does ground-level ozone affect?

Anyone can be affected by ozone, but groups that are particularly sensitive 
include children and adults who are active outdoors, and
people with respiratory disease such as asthma.  In addition, some healthy 
people have a sensitivity to ozone and may not know it; watch for symptoms 
listed below, and note if they occur when ozone concentrations are elevated.

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.

How does ozone affect people's health?

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

Where can I get more information on current and predicted ozone levels?

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?

All people, especially children and those with respiratory ailments, should 
limit strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon and early evening 
hours, when ozone levels are usually highest. Try to stay in an area where 
it is cool and, if possible, air conditioned.

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 such as vehicles, industry, households, and
fossil-fueled power plants "bakes" in hot sun.  When forecasters at the 
Massachusetts DEP predict unhealthy air, everyone should take ozone action 
to reduce the threat.  It's 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;
    * Reduce electricity use 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 refuel vehicles.  This will cut 
down on gasoline vapors getting into the air during daylight hours when the 
sun can cook the vapors and form ozone.
What other pollutants besides ozone should I be concerned about?

Particulate matter is also a pollutant of concern.  Particulate matter 
includes dust, dirt, soot, smoke and tiny particles of pollutants.

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

When particulate concentrations in the ambient air are elevated, people 
with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit 
prolonged exertion. DEP provides particulate matter forecasts at 
http://www.mass.gov/air.

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.

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 DEP at 617-292-5500.