What is an air quality Action Day?
Action days are usually called when the AQI gets into the unhealthy ranges. Different air pollution control agencies call them at different levels. Occasionally, an action day is declared when the AQI is Moderate, or Code Yellow, if the levels are expected to approach Code Orange levels. …
Why is it so smoggy in Massachusetts today?
On hazy, hot, and humid summer days, winds in Massachusetts are usually blowing from the Southwest. These winds carry air pollution from the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic states to Massachusetts.
What is causing the air quality alert in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts remains under an air quality alert due to wildfires on the West Coast. It warns of elevated levels of fine particles in the air that could aggravate breathing for people in sensitive groups.
What is an unhealthy air day?
When air pollution is deemed “unhealthy” (a value of 101 or higher) several days in a row, the EPA calls Air Pollution Action Days, or APADs, to alert people to take precautions. APADs are common on hot, sunny days with little wind, because on these days air pollution stays concentrated and closer to the ground.
What does code orange mean for air quality?
When the AQI Color Code is GREEN or YELLOW, the air quality is considered acceptable and is not expected to have widespread health impacts. When the AQI Color Code is ORANGE, sensitive groups may experience negative health impacts.
Why is the sky hazy in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts saw hazy skies because of the wildfires earlier this summer too. More than 42,000 Californians have had to evacuate their homes, CNN reported. There are nine large wildfires burning out of control in the northern part of California, the news station reported, which has prompted Gov.
Why is Boston air quality bad?
Boston air pollution comes from a combination of emission sources related to commercial, residential, and transportation activities. Commercial sources, including various types of industry and large residential complexes, make up the largest emission source, accounting for 51.6 percent of Boston air pollution.
Why is it so smoky in Massachusetts?
There is a haze and smell of smoke all throughout Central MA. This is due to wildfire smoke from the western part of the country.
Why is Massachusetts smoky?
There is a haze and smell of smoke all throughout north central MA. This is due to wildfire smoke in the atmosphere coming from the western part of the country.”
Is there an air quality alert in Worcester MA?
According to MassDEP spokesman Ed Colletta, the air quality alert will remain in effect through midnight in northern Worcester, northwest and central Middlesex, and Essex counties. [Air Quality Action Day] An air quality action day has been issued for RI, MA, and CT.
How to check the air quality in Massachusetts?
Search for asbestos projects that MassDEP has been notified of in your area. Find a nearby inspection station or registered emissions repair shop. Tracking the progress that Massachusetts is making toward meeting the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act. Assessments of indoor air quality in public buildings throughout Massachusetts.
When to declare an action day for particle pollution?
For particle pollution this includes: people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children. Occasionally, an action day is declared when the AQI is Moderate, or Code Yellow, if the levels are expected to approach Code Orange levels. In many places, action days are called when the AQI is forecast to be Unhealthy, or Code Red.
Are there air quality alerts in New Hampshire?
Air quality alerts were also issued Tuesday for all of Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine, as well as parts of Connecticut and Vermont.