The state departments of environmental conservation and health have issued an air quality health advisory for the Long Island, New York City metro and lower Hudson Valley regions for Friday, Aug. 31.
The advisory will be in effet from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m.
Levels of the pollutant ground-level ozone are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups Thursday, with the air quality index for ozone forecast to exceed 100.
The state health department recommends that people in the posted areas consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.
People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor.
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.
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.
For more information, visit the state health department website.
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