The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for much of New York State, in effect until midnight Monday, August 4. The alert includes regions across western, central, and upstate New York, as well as the capital region and parts of the north country and Hudson Valley.
The advisory is due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) expected to exceed 100. The AQI is a scale used to measure the health impact of air pollution—higher values indicate greater risk.
Health recommendations
The New York State Department of Health urges individuals—especially those with asthma, heart or lung conditions, the elderly, and young children—to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities during this period.
Those experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing should consider contacting their healthcare provider.
How to track the air quality in your neighborhood
You can track air quality in New York through the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Air Quality Index by visiting dec.ny.gov. Air quality across the country can also be tracked through fire.airnow.gov.
More information
Website: https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi
Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-535-1345
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Air quality alert in effect across New York: What to know
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