An air quality alert in effect today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for Long Island and the New York City metro area, including Westchester and Rockland counties.
Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for the pollutant of ground-level ozone. The air quality index for ozone is expected to reach 105 today on Long Island and the metro area, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
The air quality index, or AQI, was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern.
When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.
Information about ozone and health is available on the New York State Department of Health website. A toll-free air quality hotline has been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation. The toll-free number is 1-800-535-1345.
