Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for Long Island and New York City Metro Regions
Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for Long Island and New York ... New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
sdgtalks
In Effect for Friday, July 28, 2023
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and State Department of Health (DOH) Issue Air Quality Health Advisory for Long Island and New York City Metro Regions
For Release: Thursday, July 27, 2023
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions. This advisory will be in effect on Friday, July 28, 2023.
Pollutant of Concern
The pollutant of concern for this advisory is:
- Ozone
The advisory will be in effect from 11:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m.
DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.
Ozone
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 are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. It is important to note that this surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.
Ozone is not directly emitted, but is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High levels of ozone may not be as visible as PM2.5 because it is a colorless gas, but it can produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations.
People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work, and those who have respiratory diseases 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 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 curtailing automobile travel and using public transportation where available. New Yorkers are also urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:
- Use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities.
- Conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips.
- 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 preserve cooled air.
- Limit the 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.
- Purchase and install energy-efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label.
- Reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM2.5 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 PM2.5 is available on DEC’s website and on DOH’s website (links leave DEC’s website). To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC’s Premier Email Service.
The Air Quality Health Advisory regions for Friday, July 28, include Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties) and New York City Metro (New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100 or higher: Indicates levels of pollution (ozone or fine particulate matter) that exceed safe limits.
- Reduction in automobile emissions: Encouraging the use of mass transit or carpooling instead of driving.
- Energy-saving measures: Turning off lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas, using fans instead of air conditioning, setting thermostats at 78 degrees, etc.
- Reduction in outdoor burning and indoor sources of PM 2.5 (such as smoking): Minimizing the release of pollutants.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100 or higher – Reduction in outdoor physical activity for vulnerable groups – Increase in consultations with doctors for respiratory symptoms |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Reduction in automobile emissions – Implementation of waste management strategies – Improvement in air quality monitoring and reporting |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | – Reduction in release of hazardous chemicals to air, water, and soil – Implementation of waste management practices – Compliance with international frameworks for chemical management |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: dec.ny.gov
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
