The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for Tuesday, July 14, for several regions across the state, including Suffolk County, because of elevated ozone levels.
Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott urged residents — particularly young children, older adults, people with heart or lung conditions and those who exercise outdoors — to limit strenuous outdoor activity. Anyone experiencing eye, nose or throat irritation, shortness of breath or chest pain should contact a health care provider.
Ozone, a key component of smog, forms when sunlight reacts with pollutants from vehicle exhaust and other emissions. Levels are typically highest from early afternoon through early evening on hot, sunny days.
Information about ozone and health is available on the New York State Department of Health website.
Residents can check current air quality conditions in their zip code and forecasts through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website.
