Air Quality Alert Issued in Middletown for Wed

Middletown's air quality will reach an unhealthy level for certain people on Wednesday.

The Air Quality Index is predicted to be 116 in Middletown, meaning the ozone particles in the air are making the quality unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. On Tuesday, the AQI was 54 in the city.

The Weather Channel says Middletown will see a high of 91 degrees on Wednesday, with a 10 percent chance of rain, and generally hot and humid conditions. 

The first day of fall is Sept. 22 at 4:44 p.m., according to the Farmer's Almanac, which means there are 10 more days of summer ahead.

Enviroflash, an EPA news service, sent out this report:

Air pollution levels of ground-level ozone and/or particles are predicted to be in the "unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" or above category.

During the warm seasons, unhealthy ground-level ozone concentrations may cause a variety of respiratory problems including breathing difficulty, coughing, and throat irritation.

In the cold season, particle pollution predominates. Health effects such as: aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, nonfatal heart attacks, and even pre-mature death in people with heart and lung disease; have also been linked with prolonged exposure of particles.

Some suggestions from Enviroflash:

• Conserve energy at home and at work by setting your [air conditioner] thermostat at a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter.
  
• Choose a cleaner commute: share a ride or use public transportation.
  
• During winter-time particulate matter events, cut back on wood stove use during stagnant atmospheric conditions.
  
• Reduce use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.
  
• Refuel motor vehicles after dusk.
  
• Combine errands and reduce trips. Limit engine idling.
  
• Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when unhealthy air is forecast.