Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for New York City Metro and Long Island Regions
Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for New York City Metro and Long ... New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and State Department of Health (DOH) Issue Air Quality Health Advisory
For Release: Tuesday, July 11, 2023
In Effect for Wednesday, July 12, 2023
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 New York City Metro and Long Island regions for Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
The pollutant of concern 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. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.
Ozone is not a direct emission, and is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone isn’t as visible as PM2.5 because it’s a colorless gas, but it will 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 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.
New Yorkers are 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 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.
- 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 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 (PM 2.5) / DOH’s website (ozone). 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 Wednesday, July 12, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of:
- New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties
- Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk 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 13: Climate Action
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 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
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 as an indicator of high pollution levels.
- Reduction in deaths and illnesses related to air pollution.
- Reduction in adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, specifically air quality.
- Increase in resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.
Table: 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. | – Reduction in deaths and illnesses related to air pollution. |
| 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 adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, specifically air quality. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Increase in resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. |
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
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