'Unhealthy' air quality continues in NH Wednesday, officials warn
May 21—State environmental officials are warning that air quality will again reach "unhealthy" levels in eight New Hampshire counties on Wednesday.
For the second day in a row, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services announced an "Air Quality Alert Day," warning sensitive people to take precautions by limiting prolonged outdoor exertion. That includes children and older adults; those with lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis; and people who are active outdoors.
"Even healthy individuals may experience mild health effects and should consider limiting strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities," DES warned in a statement.
Ground-level ozone (the main component of smog) is expected to reach unhealthy levels during the afternoon and evening hours on Wednesday in Belknap, Cheshire, southern Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford and Sullivan counties.
Pollutants carried into New Hampshire from surrounding areas combine with local emissions, and high temperatures and sunny skies then enhance the creation of ozone, DES said.
Air quality is expected to improve on Thursday, as cloud cover and the chance of precipitation increase, according to the agency.
