[kidyankee764]

Lately while driving down 91 and 95 between Branford, Milford and Wallingford, I've noticed something: A lot of smog. It seems to have gotten very bad over the years. So, this in mind, I looked it up and sure enough, Connecticut ranks one of the smoggiest states in the country (primarily the Bridgeport area).

"Bridgeport, CT, along with New York, NY and Newark, NJ, makes up the fifth smoggiest metropolitan area in the country to date in 2011..."

Where Connecticut Ranks Among Nation’s Smoggiest Metro Areas | The Mind-Body SHIFT

Even today, when we don't even have an Air Quality Alert, driving down 95 through East Haven, and New Haven into Milford, you can see it in the air just hovering over the landscape.

Just thought I'd share this; wondering if anyone else noticed our air quality going downhill over the years.

[Stylo]

It's a very dense area so it makes sense.

What are all the plants in Bridgeport spewing though? It's unfortunate that past generations felt the need to put such things on such a beautiful coastline. Not that I have a vendetta against woods, but I'd rather it be in the middle of nowhere in a less interesting geographical area.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Stylo

It's a very dense area so it makes sense.

What are all the plants in Bridgeport spewing though? It's unfortunate that past generations felt the need to put such things on such a beautiful coastline. Not that I have a vendetta against woods, but I'd rather it be in the middle of nowhere personally in a less interesting geographical area.

I agree. Driving through Bridgeport is really ugly, and those stacks are always throwing stuff into the air. Not sure what it is, but it can't be harmless.

Even now, I'm looking out my window (I can see the Sound) and I'm having trouble seeing Long Island. Terrible.

[Arm&Hammer]

When I was in Salt Lake I thought it was worst and I breath better here than over there... why not put Houston, Texas or LA on the list and see who worst when it comes to smog. Like seriously!

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Even now, I'm looking out my window (I can see the Sound) and I'm having trouble seeing Long Island. Terrible.

Well a lot of that is just moisture. It's especially prevalent this time of year since the air is so much warmer than the water.

[Stylo]

This is also where I (as a stauch independent) differ from the government's view of focusing mostly on public transportation investments. Their refusal to make significant investments in our highways is continuing the gridlock that contributes SO much of our pollution.

[ytlh]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Just thought I'd share this; wondering if anyone else noticed our air quality going downhill over the years.

Careful here-air quality all over the country has been getting much, much better over the last few decades due in large part to strict regulations of emissions. By every measure I've seen, this is true of Connecticut as well. The fact that it doesn't compare well to the rest of the country doesn't mean it has been getting worse over time.

For some data on this see here and here.

[Cambium]

Well lately the warm air and cooler waters/ground is causing a lot of fog but I'm pretty sure that's not the concern.

I also believe (not 100%) that those stacks are sending CO2 into the atmosphere from burning recyclables. Someone correct me if I'm wrong about that cause I'm curious too.

I always felt CT had much better air quality then neighboring county of Westchester but lately something seems off. I can tell when just breathing in and out.

You know what helps air quality? Trees. Past few years more have been removed then planted especially where population has increased.

You know what else helps air quality? Cooler drier weather. Maybe thats why your seeing a difference lately being we been warmer than usual past year or two.

[kidyankee764]

Took this at about 4:30 PM going over the bridge toward New Haven.



Yuck.

[Stylo]

That might not be pollution.

There's a ton of moisture in the air due to unseasonally warm weather over cold water. That creates a thick haze.