Children, Asthma Sufferers: Air Quality Advisory In HV

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The pollutant of concern on Wednesday is ozone. The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. for Rockland and Westchester counties, New York City and Long Island.

Basically what happens is that summer heat leads to the formation of ground-level ozone. The high temperatures yesterday and today are expected to be 5 degrees above normal.

Ozone is a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources (power plants in the midwest) are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.

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.

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.

The village of Croton-on-Hudson is one of many that send out alerts to residents when the New York Department of Transportation declares an Air Quality Action Day.

Croton officials reminded residents of simple steps to take to prevent pollution:

• Combine errands into a single trip.
• Postpone unnecessary trips.
• Take the subway, bus or train instead of driving.
• Avoid letting your vehicle idle, such as at the drive-thru.
• Forward this message to family and friends.
• Avoid operating gas-powered gardening equipment such as lawn mowers. Wait for a day when air quality is better.

The Department of Environmental Conservation has a few more good ones:

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

A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation. Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC’s website and on DOH’s website.