Vermont DEC Issues Air Quality Alert for Thursday

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release – June 29, 2023

Contact:
Bennet Leon, Air Quality Planning Section Chief
Department of Environmental Conservation
802-249-4221, Bennet.Leon@vermont.gov

Katie Warchut, Vermont Department of Health
802-355-9838 / 802-863-7281, Katie.warchut@vermont.gov

Vermont DEC Issues Air Quality Alert for Thursday

Montpelier, Vt. – The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is issuing an air quality alert for Vermont beginning at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 29, 2023 through midnight. Wildfire smoke from Quebec is expected to elevate concentrations of fine particles to code Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (i.e. people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children) on the Air Quality Index. Particle pollution may be Moderate on the Air Quality Index for the morning hours and worsen later in the day.

The air quality forecast will be updated on Thursday afternoon for conditions expected on Friday. For up-to-date air quality forecasts and current air pollution levels in Vermont, sign up for notifications at the sites listed below or visit AirNow.gov.

Actions for people to take

• Limit exposure to air pollution: People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion during this time. People who spend a lot of time outdoors, including outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. It is possible for anyone to experience symptoms such as scratchy eyes or throat, headache or coughing. These are signs to take it easy or move indoors. Wearing a well-fitting N95 mask can help reduce exposure to particle pollution while outdoors.
  • To learn more about how to stay safe from air pollution go to www.healthvermont.gov/AirQuality

• Sign up for air quality alerts: Scientists predict Vermont will see more days with poor air quality this summer and well into the future due to changing fire conditions as well as climate change. Signing up for this alert is an important way to stay safe throughout the year when these types of issues come up.
  • Sign up for VT-ALERT to receive emergency air quality alerts.
    • Users will receive notifications when there is unhealthy air quality as well as guidance on how to protect themselves from poor air quality. If users signed up for VT-Alert prior to 2022, they may need to modify their settings to receive air quality alerts.
    • Find the Air Quality alerts under Subscriptions, Health Alerts.
  • Sign up for EnviroFlash to receive daily air quality forecasts and alert notifications.
• Learn more:
  • Air Quality Alerts, Wildfires & Your Health (Health Department)
  • Guidance for Schools (EPA)
  • Vermont Air Quality and Climate Division (AQCD)
  • AQCD forecasting and real-time conditions
  • Burlington HazeCam
  • EPA AirNow Fire and Smoke Map

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About the Department of Environmental Conservation

The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for protecting Vermont's natural resources and safeguarding human health for the benefit of this and future generations. Visit dec.vermont.gov and follow the Department of Environmental Conservation on Facebook and Instagram.

About the Department of Health

We have been the state's public health agency for more than 130 years, working every day to protect and promote the health of Vermonters. Visit HealthVermont.gov ─ Join us @HealthVermont on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube