SW Connecticut News

(Norwalk, Conn.) On June 7, 2023, Mayor Rilling issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the City of Norwalk in partnership with Norwalk Public Schools and the Norwalk Health Department following the effects of the ongoing Canadian wildfires.

As of 9:30 AM June 7, Norwalk is in the Red category on the Air Quality Index (AQI), meaning that some members of the general public may experience health effects, and those from sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Individuals at higher risk include: children and teens, older adults, individuals with heart and lung conditions like asthma, and individuals who are pregnant. 

For the safety and well-being of all students and staff, Norwalk Public Schools has suspended all outdoor activities, including field trips headed outside for June 7. 

The City of Norwalk also asks residents, especially those with underlying conditions who may be at greater risk from the current air quality, to monitor the air quality to protect themselves and to limit strenuous activity outdoors.  

The CT Department of Public Health has recommended that people with asthma or heart and lung conditions avoid outdoor exercise because of unhealthy air quality from elevated levels of smoke.

You can monitor the air quality by visiting the Air Quality Index (AQI) at https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/. 

The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) stated that when air levels exceed Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) for an extended period, there is an increased likelihood that individuals in sensitive groups will develop respiratory symptoms, that aggravation of heart or lung disease could occur, and persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly could experience premature mortality. Additionally, DEEP stated that children and people with asthma or other lung disease are most at risk for experiencing these symptoms and that active children and adults, and people with impaired lung function or cardiovascular disease, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

As the forecast changes throughout the day, so will the air quality. To stay up-to-date on the air quality and receive the latest recommendations, please visit airnow.gov and CT DEEP’s website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP

For any questions, please contact our Customer Service Center at (203) 854-3200 or by email at  CustomerService@norwalkct.gov.

Original source can be found here.