The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory until 11 p.m. EDT Sunday for New York, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Rockland counties.
Air quality levels are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100 due to elevated ground-level ozone.
The Air Quality Index, or AQI, measures air pollution levels and related health concerns. Higher AQI values indicate greater potential health risks.
When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends limiting strenuous outdoor activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People most sensitive to air pollution include young children and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or heart disease.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should consider consulting a physician.
For more information, visit New York State Air Quality Forecast website or call the Air Quality Hotline at 800-535-1345.
See air quality in your area
What is an air quality alert?
Air quality alerts are issued when elevated levels of pollutants in the air make it unsafe to be outside.
Particles from wildfire smoke can cause minor symptoms, such as mild eye or throat irritation, or more serious heart and lung issues in some cases, according to the National Weather Service. Wildfire smoke particles are especially dangerous for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with heart or respiratory conditions.
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
The best way to protect yourself from poor air quality is to stay indoors, especially when the Air Quality Index reaches above 101, which is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to the Environmental Protection Agency .
Here are some additional steps you can take to protect yourself from poor air quality, including wildfire smoke, according to the Wisconsin DNR:
What the AQI Index means
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Air quality alert issued for NYC, Long Island and Hudson Valley counties
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
