Heat and Pollution: Long Island and NYC Metro Regions Brace for Unhealthy Air Quality Health Advisory on Saturday

On Saturday, an air quality health advisory will be in effect for the Long Island and NYC Metro regions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) value is expected to reach 115 on Long Island and 122 in New York City. Both AQI values are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include young children, people with cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease such as asthma. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.

The pollutant of concern is ground-level ozone, as stated in a press release by the State Department of Environmental Conservation on Friday afternoon. 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.

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 AQI value of 100. The advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday for both regions. It’s important for individuals living in these areas to take precautions and stay informed about the air quality conditions around them