Westchester Insider: WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHARES HEAT AND AIR QUALITY ADVISORIES.

 WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHARES HEAT AND AIR QUALITY ADVISORIES

 

ADVISES VULNERABLE RESIDENTS TO LIMIT THEIR TIME OUTDOORS.

AND AVOID STRENUOUS OUTDOOR ACTIVITY.

 

Air Quality Health Advisory Issued By New York State Due to Ozone.

 

(White Plains, NY) – The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Westchester County effective from 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, through 10 p.m. Thursday, July 17. During this period, heat and humidity are expected to combine to make outdoor temperatures feel close to or above 100 degrees.

 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Advisory from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. Wednesday, after rating the air quality in the Lower Hudson Valley and New York metro area as unhealthy for sensitive groups due to ozone. This rating is the fourth most concerning.

The poor air quality is predicted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to exceed an Air Quality Index of 100. At this level, the general public is less likely to be affected than those in sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, teenagers, those age 65 or older, pregnant people, those with respiratory conditions or heart disease, asthma, those who exercise or work outdoors, and those in disadvantaged communities.

 

Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “Please pace yourself – the heat and humidity can take a lot out of you. Drink lots of water, take frequent breaks from outdoor work or exercise and don’t overdo it. Take time to cool off and spend time in air-conditioned places. Infants, those with asthma, pregnant women, older adults and those with heart disease or other respiratory or heart conditions should spend less time outdoors until the air quality improves and the temperature cools. Be mindful of possible health effects such as coughing or shortness of breath.”

When the AQI is greater than 100, New Yorkers in sensitive groups should shorten their outdoor activities, take more breaks, watch for symptoms and follow their health provider’s advice. Exposure to poor air quality can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.

 

NYSDEC issues Air Quality Health Advisories when NYSDEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. Updates are available on DEC and on DOH websites.

 

Those who lack air conditioning can visit a cooling center if their home becomes too warm. For locations, go to https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/