Wildfire smoke raises health concerns in New Hampshire

MANCHESTER, N.H. —

Smoke from Canadian wildfires is continuing to cause poor air quality across New Hampshire.

An air quality alert was in effect through 11 p.m. Tuesday, and health officials urged people to take precautions.

The alert is directed at people in high-risk groups, including young children, older adults, those active outdoors and people dealing with asthma or lung and respiratory diseases. But experts urged everyone to take precautions, with one doctor telling News 9 that he has seen patients without any risk factors who are coughing and wheezing.

Officials said people should pay attention to how much time they spend outdoors and consider wearing masks to limit the tiny particulate matter they inhale.

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"It can really have some extensive health effects on people," said Kathleen Simmons, senior air quality scientist for the Department of Environmental Services. "We really want to make sure that you're doing what you can to protect yourselves, because it can, unfortunately, have some negative health effects."

Dr. Marc Grossman, EMS emergency director for HCA New England, said he has seen double the normal number of patients with respiratory issues this week. He said that in addition to limiting time outside and wearing a mask, people should use air purifiers indoors if they can.

The wildfire smoke is expected to thin by midweek.