Air quality health advisory issued for Sunday and Monday

An air quality health advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. both today and tomorrow.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation this morning issued the air quality health advisory for Long Island and NYC.

The forecast air quality index for ground-level ozone today is 120 on Long Island and 115 in NYC and 140 on Long Island and 135 in NYC tomorrow. Those values are unhealthy for sensitive groups, including young children, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease, according to state health officials.

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

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.

The state has established a toll-free air quality hotline: 1-800-535-1345.