© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY
WECS · WEDW-FM · WNPR · WPKT · WRLI-FM · WVOF
Public Files Contact · ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Connecticut and Long Island fail to meet World Health Organization air pollution standards

Ian Barbour
/
Flickr

Air pollution in Connecticut and Long Island exceeded the World Health Organization’s air quality standards for 2021.

IQAir monitors air quality around the world, and their report released this month took a look at particulate matter in the air, including dust, soot, dirt, smoke and liquid droplets. This matter can be dangerous to breathe in if it is larger than WHO’s guidelines of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

IQAir’s monitoring stations on Long Island found Riverhead, Holtsville, East Northport and Westbury exceeded the standard by one to two times; and Glen Cove was two to three times over.

In Connecticut, Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford also exceeded the standard by one to two times.

But experts said these measurements are lower than expected. The WHO actually changed their standard last year from 10 micrograms to 5, citing a need to better protect public health.

Only one station in the Northeast met the WHO’s guidelines.

Copyright 2022 WSHU. To see more, visit WSHU.

Sabrina Garone

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.