An ozone health advisory will be in effect tomorrow on Long Island, the State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today.
The advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. The air quality index for Long Island tomorrow is forecast to reach 115. An AQI from 101 to 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Young children, the elderly, those who exercise or are involved in strenuous outdoor work, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems should limit strenuous outdoor activity, Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken said.
“Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone — a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast,” according to the State DEC.
New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:
- use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;
- conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
- turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
- use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
- close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
- limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
- set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
- purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
- reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.
A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation. Further information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC’s website at and on the Department of Health’s website.
Information about ozone and health is also available on the New York State Department of Health website here.
Air Quality Forecasts are available here.
