HARTFORD – With temperatures reaching the mid-90s, the heat and humidity have prompted Connecticut environmental officials to forecast unhealthy air quality for children and adults such as the elderly who have asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
The forecast is for Monday and Tuesday due to elevated ground-level ozone pollution for southern parts of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven and New London counties.
A forecast of “unhealthy for sensitive groups” indicates an increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in children and adults with respiratory disease. Unhealthy concentrations of ground level ozone can cause or worsen respiratory problems and other health troubles.
Ground level ozone occurs primarily during hot summer days. Strong sunshine causes chemical reactions of air pollutants from motor vehicles, power plants and industry and household activities, forming ozone. Ground level ozone and fine particulate matter pose health risks.
Monday and Tuesday the following “cooling centers” will be open in Hartford.
- North End Senior Center, 80 Coventry Street
- South End Wellness Center, 830 Maple Avenue
- Parkville Senior Center, 11 New Park Avenue
- Hispanic Health Council, 175 Main Street
- Hispanic Senior Center, 45 Wadsworth Street, noon to 5 pm.
The Hartford Public Library is also available for residents and visitors.
- Hartford Downtown Public Library, 500 Main Street, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Albany Library Branch, 1250 Albany Avenue, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Barbour Branch, 281 Barbour Street, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Camp Field Branch, 30 Campfield Avenue, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Mark Twain Branch, 55 Forest Street, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Park Branch, 744 Park Street, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- SANDS/Ropkins, 1750 Main Street, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Goodwin, 460 New Britain Avenue, 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Blue Hills Branch, 649 Blue Hills Avenue, Time: 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
