Gov. Clement Shelter

Air Quality Alert issued July 17 at 3:27PM EDT by NWS Burlington VT

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particulate pollution from wildfire smoke for Caledonia, Eastern Addison, Eastern Chittenden, Eastern Franklin, Eastern Rutland, Eastern Windsor, Essex, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Washington, Western Addison, Western Chittenden, Western Franklin, Western Rutland, and Western Windsor Counties in Vermont from 6 AM to 11 PM EDT Saturday. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is expected to approach or exceed the Code Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. When pollution levels are in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, the Vermont Department of Health recommends that these individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, older adults, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease and those working outside. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy. If you have heart disease: symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your healthcare provider. An Air Quality Action Day means that particulate concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. For additional information, please visit the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources web site at https://dec.vermont.gov/air- quality/local-air- quality-forecasts.