The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for Thursday, July 14, 2022, for Long Island and the New York metropolitan area. The pollutant of concern is ozone.
Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott advises that all residents, especially young children, seniors, those who exercise or are involved in strenuous outdoor work, 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.
Suffolk County health officials are concerned that air pollution has become the world’s single largest environmental health risk. Air pollution alone is responsible for 4.2 million global deaths each year. Burning fossil fuels, such as petroleum, coal and natural gas, are major contributors to air pollution, and there are steps that each of us can take that will not only protect our individual health but improve the health of our community, help to stabilize the climate, and lead toward better global health.
To reduce your use of fossil fuels
- Carpool or take public transport when possible.
- Trains: http://www.mta.info/
- Buses: http://www.sct-bus.org/
- Try to walk or bike ride when traveling shorter distances
- Install solar panels on your home or look into joining a community solar program.
- https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/NY-Sun/Solar-for-Your-Home/Community-Solar/Community-Solar-Map
- Eat less meat. You may find it easier by taking small steps at first, such as starting with one day a week without meat. (Livestock production is a major emitter of air pollution and climate change gases .)
- Get a free Home Energy Audit: http://www.longislandgreenhomes.org/.
- Buy an electric or hybrid car 6.
- Recycle.
- Set your thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter.
- Reduce your shower time.
- Support alternative energy programs, such as wind, water, and sunlight powered energy.
For more information about the health impacts of fossil fuels, visit: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Cancer-Prevention-and-Health-Promotion-Coalition/Smart-Tips/#fossil
Air Quality Forecasts are available on the Department of Environmental Conservation website at :
http://www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/aqi/aqi_forecast.cfm
Information about ozone and health is available on the New York State Department of Health Website at:
http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/ozone.htm