New Hampshire air quality poor due to wildfire smoke

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Dense wildfire smoke is creating air quality concerns and hazy skies across New Hampshire.

The smoke is originating from wildfires in central and northern Quebec. A northerly wind is transporting the smoke into northern New England.

New Hampshire DES is highlighting Grafton, Sullivan, Cheshire, Hillsborough, Merrimack, and Belknap counties as having air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

"The alert is for most of western and central New Hampshire. That's a code orange – we also call it unhealthy for sensitive groups," said David Healy, a senior scientist with New Hampshire DES. "So we're expecting the highest particle pollution levels in the western part of the state."

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New Hampshire DES is recommending people limit their outdoor exposure if they have a condition that makes them sensitive to smoke.

"Sensitive groups include children, older adults, people with existing respiratory illnesses or issues like asthma," Healy said. "Those sensitive individuals should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion to protect their health."

Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath may indicate that you are sensitive to smoke.

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