Air Quality Alert Issued in Middletown

Middletown is one of a handful of communities in Connecticut with an air quality alert on Tuesday.

The Air Quality Index is at 104 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. 

These alerts are issued on a daily basis, so there's no way to tell specifically whether ozone levels will be high anytime later this week. According to forecasts, thunderstorms are expected Wednesday through Friday.

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. 

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.