Ozone On LI Prompts Air Quality Advisory: DEC

LONG ISLAND, NY — An air quality health advisory on Long Island has been issued for Wednesday, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced.

The pollutant of concern is ozone — the principal component of the mixture of air pollutants known as "smog", that is produced from the action of sunlight on air contaminants from automobile exhausts and other sources.

The advisory will also effect the New York metropolitan area.

Ozone levels are most likely to be elevated after noon through early evening on hot, sunny days, the department said.

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott advises that all residents, especially young children, seniors, those who exercise outdoors, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems, limit strenuous outdoor activity.

If you experience eye, nose and throat irritation, shortness of breath, or chest pain, contact your medical provider.

Information about ozone and health is available on the New York State Department of Health Website's website here.

For more information about air pollution and tips for reducing your risks from pollutants, visit “Fossil Fuels” on the department's Cancer Prevention and Health Promotion page.

For the air quality index in your area, click here.