On Saturday, an air quality health advisory is in effect for the Long Island and NYC Metro regions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) value is expected to reach 115 on Long Island and 122 in New York City, both levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include young children and individuals with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases like asthma. Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing indicate a need to consult a physician.
The pollutant of concern is ground-level ozone according to the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). As summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog, it is important to take precautions against air pollution. Automobile exhaust and sources of emissions from outside the state are the primary contributors to ground-level ozone, causing the most serious air pollution problems in the Northeast.
DEC meteorologists predict pollution levels, either ozone or fine particulate matter, to exceed an AQI value of 100, leading to air quality health advisories being issued by the state. The advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, highlighting the importance of staying informed about air quality issues in order to protect our health and environment. Your support for local journalism is vital for ensuring that important services continue to be provided to our community.
