Press Release  MassDEP Air Quality Advisory for Hampden and Hampshire Counties

WHAT: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued an air quality advisory effective today for Hampshire and Hampden counties. Due to elevated levels of ozone, air quality in the two counties 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.

WHEN: Effective 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., Monday, May 18, 2026

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