Air Quality Advisory Extended To Saturday On Long Island

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's air quality health advisory has been extended through Saturday for Long Island over concerns about ozone pollution, prompting local officials to advise residents to reduce environmental health risks.

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott is advising residents, especially young children, seniors, those who exercise or are involved in strenuous outdoor work, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems, to limit strenuous outdoor activity.

Ozone levels are often elevated after noon through early evening on hot, sunny days. Anyone who experiences eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, or chest pain should contact their medical provider, Pigott advised.

Suffolk officials are concerned air pollution has become the world’s single largest environmental health risk as it is responsible for 4.2 million global deaths yearly.

'Burning fossil fuels, such as petroleum, coal and natural gas, are major contributors to air pollution, and there are steps that each of us can take that will not only protect our individual health but improve the health of our community, help to stabilize the climate, and lead toward better global health," officials stated in a news release.

The air quality advisory has also been extended for the New York metropolitan region though through Sunday.

Officials advise reducing the use of fossil fuels by:

• Carpooling or taking public transport when possible. For trains go to: http://www.mta.info/ and buses: http://www.sct-bus.org/
• Try walking or biking when traveling shorter distances.
• Installing solar panels on your home or looking into joining a community solar program. For more information go to https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/NY-Sun/Solar-for-Your-Home/Community-Solar/Community-Solar-Map
• Eat less meat by taking small steps at first, such as starting with one day a week without meat because livestock production is a major emitter of air pollution and climate change gases.
• Getting a free home energy audit by visiting: http://www.longislandgreenhomes.org
• Buying an electric or hybrid car.
• Recycling.
• Setting your thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter.
• Reducing shower time.
• Supporting alternative energy programs, such as wind, water, and sunlight powered energy.

Air quality forecasts are available on the DEC's website, by clicking here.

Information about ozone and health is available by clicking here.

For more information about the health impacts of fossil fuels, go to: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Cancer-Prevention-and-Health-Promotion-Coalition/Smart-Tips/#fossil