The Department of Environmental Services blames cold temperatures and low winds for poor air quality in the valleys of Southwestern New Hampshire, including Keene. The culprits are byproducts of woodsmoke, diesel and other types of combustion.
"Our expectation is that hopefully as the winds pick up [Saturday] sometime, that should help clear out the valley areas," says Craig Wright, DES director of air resources.
DES recommends that young children, older adults, and individuals with emphysema or asthma limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Homes that burn wood for heating are also encouraged to use an alternate source of heat until winds pick up and the air is cleared.
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