Air quality alert issued for Tuesday

NORTHAMPTON — Environmental officials have issued an air quality alert for Tuesday in Hampshire County and several other parts of Massachusetts due to expected elevated levels of ozone.

The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued an air quality alert effective 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. Tuesday in seven counties across Massachusetts. In this area, ozone levels are expected to impact air quality in eastern Hampden and Hampshire counties.

Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, include people with heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers, and people who are active outdoors.

MassDEP advises people in sensitive groups to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, do less intense activities, follow asthma action plans, and keep quick relief medicine handy. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

More details are available, including forecasts and real-time data, at the MassAir online site.