Air quality alert issued for Hampden County

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - An air quality alert has been issued for Hampden County through noon on Tuesday.

Elevated levels of ground level ozone (smog) as well as moderate levels of particulate matter combined to reduce air quality. Both item are byproducts of pollution.

Local residents are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activity.

Dr. Mohammad Bajwa, a Pulmonary Specialist Holyoke Medical Center, told 22News that individuals with heart, lung, and kidney disease are most affected by poor air quality. The elderly and young children can also feel negative effects.

“People with lung disease, they will start having some tightness in their chest and increased shortness of breath," Dr. Bajwa said. "If the climate stayed like this, then we will see many more people come to the emergency room, to the doctor’s office, or in the hospital."

For more information, click here for the latest 22News Storm Team Weather Discussion & Webcast.