Pollutant of concern: ozone
Residents advised to reduce environmental health risks
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for today, Wednesday, July 5, 2023, for Long Island and the Metropolitan New York City region. The pollutant of concern is ozone.
Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott advises that all residents, especially young children, seniors, those who exercise outdoors , and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems, limit strenuous outdoor activity. Ozone levels are often elevated after noon through early evening on hot, sunny days. If you experience eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, chest pain contact your medical provider.
Ozone is the principal component of the mixture of air pollutants known as “smog” that is produced from the action of sunlight on air contaminants from automobile exhausts and other sources. Ozone levels are most likely to be elevated after noon through early evening on hot, sunny days.
Information about ozone and health is available on the New York State Department of Health Website at:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/indoors/air/pmq_a.htm
For more information about air pollution and tips for reducing your risks from pollutants, visit “Fossil Fuels” on our Cancer Prevention and Health Promotion page.
Air Quality Forecasts are available on the Department of Environmental Conservation website at :
http://www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/aqi/aqi_forecast.cfm
For information on the air quality where you live, visit:
https://www.airnow.gov/
Follow us:
suffolkcountyny.gov
Facebook.com/SuffolkCountyHealth
Twitter.com/SuffolkCoHealth
instagram.com/suffolkhealth