CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – A new report says New Hampshire’s air quality is improving. The report, by Breathe New Hampshire, says air quality in New Hampshire has improved and is better than in bordering states.
The group, formerly the New Hampshire Lung Association, released the report last week to mark Air Quality Awareness Week.
According to the State of the Air: 2007 report, the ozone quality in Rockingham County went from an F to a B, mirroring a statewide trend that saw most New Hampshire counties receive improved grades. Hillsborough County received the lowest marks, but still showed an improvement from last year’s failing grade to a D.
“Soot and other dirt particles decreased in all but one area: Hillsborough. But that’s understandable since they have a high density of population,” said Beth D’Ovidio, director of public relations and communication for Breathe New Hampshire.
Increased efforts to reduce carbon emissions by Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH) and other companies mean less mercury and carbon dioxide are being emitted in the state, the report said.
However, pollutants from Midwestern states and urban centers south of New Hampshire are the leading cause of unhealthy air quality, impaired visibility, acidification of lakes and forests, and mercury contamination in the state.
Jim Martin, spokesman for New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services, said Midwestern power stations that use coal-fired plants are one of the biggest polluters in New Hampshire. Emissions from New York and New Jersey are also dumped into the state’s air stream.
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