The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for Monday for the Long Island and the New York City Metro regions.
The Air Quality Health Index today is forecast to reach 101, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including young children, seniors and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems.
The pollutant of concern is ozone.
Ozone is the principal component of the mixture of air pollutants known as “smog” that is produced from the action of sunlight on air contaminants from automobile and other emissions.
Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott advises that all residents, especially young children, seniors, those who exercise outdoors, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems, limit strenuous outdoor activity. Ozone levels are often elevated after noon through early evening on hot, sunny days. If you experience eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, or chest pain contact your medical provider, Pigott said.
The advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday.
Information about ozone and health is available on the New York State Department of Health website.
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