Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection expects smoke from wildfires in Quebec to affect air quality in this state.

DEEP stated that the fine particulate matter levels are expected to be elevated starting Monday night. It said the levels are expected to exceed Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) levels for an extended period during the overnight period in western Connecticut and covering the entire state by daybreak.

That means there is an increased likelihood that individuals in sensitive groups will develop respiratory symptoms, that aggravation of heart or lung disease could occur, and persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly could experience premature mortality. Children and people with asthma or other lung disease are most at risk for experiencing these symptoms. Active children and adults, and people with impaired lung function or cardiovascular disease, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.