NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the state Department of Health (DOH) have issued a health and quality advisory of the air for the metropolitan regions of Long Island and New York City for Friday, August 5, 2022.
The notice will be in effect on Friday, August 5 from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm due to concern about the Ozone contaminant. The Air Quality and Health Advisory regions are: the Long Island region, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties, and the New York City metropolitan region, which includes all 5 New York City boroughs, Rockland and Westchester.
DEC and DOH issue air quality health advisories when DEC meteorologists forecast pollution levels, either ozone or fine particulate matter, to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate the levels of different contaminants on a scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.
Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the main sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the Northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.
During this time, active children and adults, and people with respiratory problems, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or strenuous exertion outdoors. When outdoor ozone levels are high, going indoors will generally reduce your exposure. People experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough should consider seeing their doctor.
To see how the air quality is, you can visit the department page here. DEC has established a toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.
The advisory comes as the New York area is expected to have heat indices on Thursday that could exceed 100 degrees. A heat advisory has already been issued for most of our area for Friday.
Check here for the latest severe weather alerts in your neighborhood.
New Yorkers are also urged to take the following steps to save energy and reduce pollution:
- Use public transportation or carpooling instead of driving, as car emissions account for about 60 percent of the pollution in our cities.
- Conserve fuel and reduce exhaust gas emissions by combining the necessary trips in motorized vehicles.
- Turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas.
- Use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees.
- Close blinds and drapes to limit heat buildup and preserve fresh air.
- Limit the use of electrical appliances. If necessary, run appliances during off-peak hours (after 7:00 pm). These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps, and water heaters.
- Set refrigerators and freezers to more efficient temperatures.
- Purchase and install energy-efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label.
- Reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and try to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5, such as smoking.
The New York State Department of Health is also reminding New Yorkers that heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, but each year many people suffer from the effects of extreme heat. Some people are at higher risk for heat-related illness than others. New Yorkers should be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of heat-related illnesses to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Hot, dry, red skin
- a quick pulse
- Fast and shallow breathing
- A body temperature above 105 degrees.
- Loss of alertness, confusion and/or loss of consciousness
DEC issued the following tips for outdoor recreation in the heat to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke that could cause a dangerously high body temperature:
- Use sunscreen
- slow down your pace
- Drink water and rest more often
- Seek shade and avoid long periods of direct sunlight
- Do not walk in extremely hot weather
On the other hand, the New York City Department of Emergency Management and the Department of Health recommended that New Yorkers take precautions to beat the heat.
New York City opens cooling centers when the heat index is forecast to be 95 degrees or higher for two or more consecutive days, or if the heat index is forecast to be 100 degrees or higher for any period of time . Cooling centers located on senior center sites will be reserved for older New Yorkers, ages 60 and older.
Looking for a cooling center in our area? Find the closest to you here same.
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