Celebrating Air Quality Awareness Week, May 6 to May 10

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) joins the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as state, local and Tribal agencies in designating May 6 to May 10 as Air Quality Awareness Week (AQAW) to educate the public about air pollution and what they can do to protect their health and improve air quality. The week highlights the importance of being aware of local air quality conditions and the steps to take to protect your health if it becomes necessary.

"NHDES is charged with monitoring and protecting ambient air quality for all NH citizens and visitors in accordance with federal and state laws and rules,” stated NHDES Commissioner Robert Scott. “Our trained and experienced staff of scientists and engineers respond to this charge by working with industrial sources to issue and ensure compliance with appropriately protective permits, operate a statewide network of air monitoring sites, and issue timely air quality forecasts and alerts during periods of elevated pollution.” 

Air quality information is collected at 13 monitoring stations located throughout New Hampshire. These air monitoring stations are operated by NHDES, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the U.S. Forest Service, and the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation (HBRF). Current air quality information is updated on the NHDES website every hour and is used to forecast daily air quality conditions.

Up-to-date air quality messages are also available through EnviroFlash, an automated nationwide system that was developed to provide instant customized information for the geographic location specified by the user. Personalized air quality forecasts and alerts can be delivered via a choice of email or text messages. This is especially helpful for people who are more susceptible to the risks of air pollution, allowing them to make safe decisions about their day’s activities.

Commissioner Scott also encourages all residents and businesses to do their share for clean air. Combining everyone’s efforts will minimize air pollution and protect the environment. These actions include keeping car and boat engines tuned up, carpooling, or using public transit when practical, walking or biking instead of driving, consolidating trips and errands, using environmentally safe paints and cleaning products, and conserving electricity. Collectively, small steps taken by everybody can lead to significant benefits for human health and the environment, and many of these steps can even save money.

For more information on air quality or to find out more about what you can do to keep the air clean, visit the NHDES Air Resources webpage or call (603) 271-1370. You can also sign up for Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) Alerts by signing up for the NHDES E-News.

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