MassDEP Air Quality Advisory Continues

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Due to elevated levels of ozone expected Thursday, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued an air quality alert effective 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. on June 20, 2024, in nine counties across Massachusetts. 
 
This includes Berkshire County.
 
Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers, and people who are active outdoors. People with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to air pollution.
 
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 MassDEP's MassAir Online site.
 
 

Tags: MassDEP,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Wahconah High Club, Green Committee Host Earth Week Activities

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

There was information and games last week at the high school and volunteer and other opportunities this week. 
DALTON, Mass. — Wahconah Regional High School students are cultivating an environmentally friendly atmosphere in its school, across the district, and now, thanks to a partnership with the Green Dalton Committee, into their communities.
 
As the grass continues to get greener many communities are preparing for Earth Day, April 22, but the school's Green Umbrella Club and Dalton's Green Committee question why limit it to one day?
 
With spring break just days away, club members organized several events to promote eco-friendly habits and environmental awareness, from a Family Feud competition, bake sale, golden-trash scavenger hunt, and a prize wheel activity at lunch.  
 
"It brings a more positive association with taking care of our environment," said Ella Scalise, senior and Green Umbrella Club secretary. 
 
School is a very structured environment where students are often directed on what to do. Earth Week activities introduce the topic in a fun and engaging way, with the goal of fostering environmentally friendly habits, she said. 
 
Taking care of the environment is something that some people do not consistently think about so incorporating it in fun activities and events makes it memorable, said Ellianna Chaffee, junior and Green Umbrella Club member. 
 
When the last bell rings, the experience doesn't end, as students can also take part in Dalton's townwide activities, including a guided birdwatch, a walk and cleanup at the Pines Trailhead, Family Feud, and a townwide scavenger hunt, all culminating in an Environmental Spectacular Fair at the Senior Center. Line-up at the end of the article
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories