Air Pollution Health Advisory For Rockland, Westchester

An Air Quality Health Advisory is in effect Tuesday for the metropolitan New York City region, including Rockland and Westchester counties. The air is sufficiently polluted to make it unhealthy for sensitive groups.

It's going to be hot and humid as well.

High temps will range from the upper 80s to lower 90s, with some mid 90 degree readings expected in portions of NYC. Lows tonight should be a few degrees above normal. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible from late this afternoon into tonight.

Air Quality Health Advisories are issued by the New York State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation when levels of outdoor pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed national air quality standards.

The pollutant of concern Tuesday is ozone.

Health officials recommend that residents limit strenuous outdoor physical activity, such as jogging, ball-playing and running during the afternoon and early evening hours when ozone levels are highest.

Although everyone may be affected by ozone exposure, some people may be more sensitive than others. Young children, the elderly, people with pre-existing lung disease such as asthma and people with pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure may be more seriously affected during an ozone advisory. It is very important that they reduce their exposure during an advisory and limit all outdoor exercise and physical exertion when ozone levels are elevated. It is helpful to remain in an air-conditioned location.

People exposed to elevated levels of ozone may experience a variety of symptoms.

The most common symptom is a feeling of irritation in the eyes, nose and throat. Some people may also experience respiratory or heart symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and wheezing. Even without such symptoms, people exposed to ozone may have changes in their lung function that can last for several days before returning to normal.

Some people experience these effects as "feeling tired" or "lacking energy."

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain or coughing should consult their doctor or seek medical attention immediately.

There are several steps you can take to reduce your exposure during an ozone advisory. Whenever possible, try to limit outdoor activities during peak ozone hours. Schedule outdoor exercise or activities for the morning hours when ozone levels are generally lower.

"Ozone levels are usually highest after noon and through early evening hours on hot, sunny days, and therefore this part of the day is the peak time for symptoms," said Rockland County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. "Performing vigorous exercise outdoors such as running also makes a person more likely to experience symptoms from exposure to ozone."

Stay informed about current air quality conditions by calling the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345, or by visiting its website.

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