"Health Risks and Concerns: Understanding Air Quality Alerts and Maps in CT and NY"

Air quality alerts have been issued across Connecticut due to particle pollution caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada. The Environmental Protection Agency measures five major pollutants that contribute to air pollution, including particle pollution. The current haze in Connecticut is unusual and has created a red-looking sun due to smoke particles scattering blue light. People with heart or lung disease, current or former smokers, people who are obese or have diabetes, older adults, and children are most at risk from particle pollution. The health risks associated with poor air quality include premature death, asthma attacks, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. The American Lung Association suggests limiting time outdoors and investing in an air cleaner to stay healthy.