The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for parts of downstate New York on Friday because of elevated ozone levels.
The advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday.
Counties included in the advisory
The advisory covers the following counties:
Why the advisory was issued
State officials said air quality is expected to reach levels greater than 100 on the Air Quality Index, or AQI, because of elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone.
The AQI is a scale used to measure air pollution and its potential health impacts. Higher AQI values indicate greater health concerns.
Who may be affected
When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, the New York State Department of Health recommends limiting strenuous outdoor activity, especially for people who may be more sensitive to air pollution.
Those most at risk include:
Anyone experiencing symptoms related to poor air quality should consider consulting a physician.
More information
Residents can monitor current air quality conditions and forecasts through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s air quality website or by calling the state’s 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
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By New York Connect Team, USA Today Network | USA TODAY Network
