An air quality alert is in effect for our area through 10 p.m. tonight.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an ozone health advisory for the Long Island region. Ground level ozone is expected to be elevated to unhealthy levels, according to officials.
The DEC forecasts the air quality index for ozone on Long Island today to reach 145, which means the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups. People with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are active can be particularly affected when ozone levels are unhealthy. An AQI of 150 for ozone is unhealthy for all.
Young children, the elderly, those who exercise or are involved in strenuous outdoor work, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems should limit strenuous outdoor activity, Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken said in a press release issued this afternoon.
Ozone levels are likely to continue to remain elevated on Long Island tomorrow, according to the DEC’s AQI forecast.
The National Weather Service says we can expect another hazy, hot and humid day tomorrow, with a high temperature in Riverhead of about 93 degrees.
Breathing ozone can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Ground-level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs.
For more information, see the NYS DEC ozone fact sheet.
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