Air quality health advisory in effect Sunday

An air quality health advisory is in effect today for the Long Island region, where levels of ground level ozone will make the air unhealthy for sensitive groups, including  young children, people with cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease such as asthma.

The ozone advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. today,  the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced yesterday.

The state issues air quality health advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI is expected to reach 105 in the Long Island region and 108 in the NYC Metro region this afternoon and evening, according to the advisory.

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the Northeast, according to the State DEC.

Ozone is produced when sunlight chemically reacts with chemicals from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. Ozone is invisible but it can produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations.

People, especially those with lung disease such as asthma, young children, the elderly, and those who work or exercise outdoors, should limit strenuous outdoor activity in the afternoon and early evening when ozone levels are the highest, the advisory states. Individuals with asthma and those who experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should spend more time indoors and discuss symptoms with their health care provider.

State officials urge New Yorkers to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;

• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;

• 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 the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;

• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;

• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;

• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and

• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.