Air pollution forecast prompts health advisory for L.I. and much of N.Y. state on Tuesday

An air quality health advisory has been issued for Long Island, NYC and most of upstate today, where the pollutant ground-level ozone will make the air unhealthy for sensitive groups, including young children, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.  

The forecast air quality index for ground-level ozone today is 110 on Long Island and 120 in NYC, according to the state department of environmental conservation. The forecast AQI for fine particle pollution (soot) is 55 on L.I. and 68 in NYC, which is of moderate health concern, according to the DEC. The agency issued an air quality alert for for Long Island, NYC, the Hudson Valley and Central New York; it is in effect from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m.

The New York State health department recommends that all people in the posted areas limit strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

High heat and humidity will combine to produce heat index values in the mid-90s and smog, according to the National Weather Service in Upton. It will be hot and humid again on Wednesday, the weather service forecast says. 

The federal environmental protection agency warns that elevated ground-level ozone can cause:

• irritation of the airway, coughing and pain when taking a deep breath;
• wheezing and breathing difficulties during exercise or outdoor activities;inflammation, which is much like a sunburn on the skin;
• aggravation of asthma and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis; and
• permanent lung damage with repeated exposures.

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Ground level ozone is produced by by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight, according to EPA.gov. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx and VOC.

According to the EPA: Fine particle pollution in the air includes a mixture of solids and liquid droplets. Some particles are emitted directly — car and truck exhaust, industrial emissions, dirt, dust and smoke, for example; others are formed in the atmosphere when other pollutants react.

Particles come in a wide range of sizes. Fine particles are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (one-seventh the width of a single human hair)— so small that they can get into the lungs, potentially causing serious health problems. 

Long Island and NYC are designated “non-attainment” areas for fine particle pollution, because the air pollution levels persistently exceed the national ambient air quality standards set by the EPA.

Click here more information on particulate pollution and health.