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Press Release

Press Release  MassDEP Air Quality Alert for Northeast, Boston Metro, and Portions of Southeast Massachusetts

Air Quality Alert
For immediate release:
5/19/2026
  • Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Media Contact

Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications

Phone

Call Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at 857-443-1218

Online

Email Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at lauren.moreschi2@mass.gov
Air Quality Alert in effect until 11pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026

WHEN: Effective 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., TODAY, Tuesday, May 19, 2026  

WHERE: Northeast, Boston Metro, and Portions of Southeast Massachusetts 

WHAT: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued an air quality alert effective today for Northeast, Boston Metro, and Portions of Southeast Massachusetts. Due to elevated levels of ozone, air quality in these areas are 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. 

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Media Contact

Phone

Call Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at 857-443-1218

Online

Email Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at lauren.moreschi2@mass.gov

  • Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

    MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.​

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