Ozone Levels Trigger Air Quality Health Advisory for New York City on Tuesday

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the State Department of Health (DOH) have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Tuesday, June 18, 2024, effective from 11am to 11pm. The advisory covers the New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, and Western New York regions due to high levels of ozone pollution.

According to the DEC and DOH, the pollutant of concern is ozone, which is expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI is a scale that correlates levels of different pollutants to one scale, with higher values indicating greater health concerns.

The affected regions include:

– New York City Metro: New York City and Rockland and Westchester counties
– Lower Hudson Valley: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster counties
– Western New York: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties

Residents in these areas, particularly those with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, young children, and individuals who engage in strenuous outdoor activities, are advised to limit their outdoor activities during the afternoon and early evening when ozone levels are highest. Indoor activities can help reduce exposure to ozone.

Ozone pollution can cause health issues, especially for vulnerable populations. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult their personal physician.

To minimize ozone levels, the public is encouraged to take the following steps:

– Use mass transit or carpool instead of driving
– Conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips
– Turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas
– Use fans to circulate air
– Set thermostats at 78 degrees if air conditioning is necessary
– Close blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and preserve cooled air
– Limit use of household appliances and run them at off-peak hours (after 7pm)
– Purchase and install energy-efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label
– Reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and minimize indoor sources of PM2.5, such as smoking

By taking these steps, New Yorkers can help reduce energy consumption and pollution, and minimize the impact of ozone pollution on public health.