Air quality advisory expected to impact multiple Mass. counties, officials announce

WORCESTER, Mass. — An air quality alert was announced Friday morning due to an expected increase in ozone levels in central and south-central Massachusetts communities.

The alert is effective from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. and will affect the counties of Hampshire, Hampden, and southern Worcester, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

Officials say air quality in these areas is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including people with heart or lung disease, asthmatics, older adults, children, teens, and people who are active outdoors. MassDEP advises these groups to reduce prolonged outdoor activity or heavy outdoor exertion.

An open burning permit has been declared in most of these areas, as it can contribute to a condition of air pollution that will likely further elevate the ozone.

For more information about ozone levels throughout the state, click here.

Air Quality Alert: Due to increase in #ozone levels today, an Alert has been posted for #Hampshire, #Hampden & southern #Worcester counties until 11pm. Open Burning Advisory also posted for #Fire Districts in central & western MA https://t.co/HHuzLkqNhd
— MassDEP (@MassDEP) April 14, 2023