Authorities issued an air quality and health advisory for the Long Island and New York City metropolitan regions on Saturday, June 25 until 11:00 p.m., announced the commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Basil Seggos, and the state Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary T. Bassett.
The warning is given for Ozone, which is the pollutant of concern.
The air quality and health advisory regions for Saturday, June 25 are as follows: Region 1 Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties, and Region 2 New York City Metro, which includes the counties of the New York City, Rockland, and Westchester.
DEC and DOH issue air quality health advisories when DEC meteorologists forecast pollution levels, either ozone or fine particulate matter, to exceed the Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100.
The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate the levels of different contaminants on a scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.
OZONE
Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical pollution. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the main sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the Northeast.
This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.
Who are most vulnerable
People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those who do strenuous work outdoors, and those with respiratory illnesses (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are high. highest (generally in the afternoon to evening).
When outdoor ozone levels are high, going indoors will generally reduce your exposure.
What symptoms should I watch out for?
People experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough should consider seeing their doctor.
Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during the day by reducing car travel and using public transportation when available.
What steps can I take to reduce pollution?
New Yorkers are urged to take the following steps to save energy and reduce pollution:
- Use public transportation or carpooling instead of driving, as car emissions account for about 60 percent of the pollution in our cities.
- Conserve fuel and reduce exhaust gas emissions by combining the necessary trips in motorized vehicles.
- 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 blinds and drapes to limit heat buildup and preserve fresh air.
- Limit the use of electrical appliances. If necessary, run appliances during off-peak hours (after 7:00 pm). These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps, and water heaters.
- Set refrigerators and freezers to more efficient temperatures.
- Purchase and install energy-efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label.
- Reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and try to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5, such as smoking.
DEC established a toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation. Additional information about ozone y PM 2.5 is available on the DEC website and on the website of the DOH.
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