BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an air quality alert for portions of the state as blazing heat continued to roll over the region on Monday.
The alert was issued due to high ozone levels, which are boosted by heat and humidity.
Eastern Hampden, Hampshire and Essex counties were the areas under a warning, which included cities like Gloucester and Springfield.
Read More: Heat Advisory Issued For Eastern Mass. Amid Expected Heat Wave
DEP Spokesman Ed Colletta said residents with respiratory issues like asthma, lung disease — and children — should be careful not to exert themselves outside in the areas affected.
Children's smaller lungs, and the fact that they breathe deeper when exercising, means they could take in more ozone.
Colletta said the wind could shift easily, so residents in other areas that aren't under a warning now should still take note.
WBZ's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports:
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