An air quality alert is in effect today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the pollutant ground-level ozone, also known as smog.
The air quality index for ground-level ozone is expected to exceed 100, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including young children and the elderly, as well as people with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems. Residents are advised to limit strenuous outdoor activity, the Suffolk County Health Department said in an advisory.
Smog is formed when industrial emissions from power plants, factories, cars, and other sources react with heat and sunlight in the atmosphere, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It is often visible as a brownish haze on the horizon.
When inhaled, smog irritates our airways, increasing our risk of serious heart and lung diseases. These health risks are why many cities monitor smog levels. On a high ozone alert day, for example, conditions may cause coughing, wheezing and a burning sensation in the eyes and throat.
Air Quality Forecasts are available on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.
For more information about ozone pollution, visit the U.S. EPA website.
