The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory on Monday, August 11th for NYC until 11pm. The advisory is also in effect for Long Island and Lower Hudson Valley Regions.
Air quality is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale, which classifies air conditions by health risk levels. There are six AQI categories:
- Good (0–50): Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Moderate (51–100): Air quality is acceptable. There may be a risk for some people, particularly those unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150): Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
- Unhealthy (151–200): Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
- Very Unhealthy (201–300): Health alert: increased risk of health effects for everyone.
- Hazardous (301 and higher): Health warnings of emergency conditions; the entire population is likely to be affected
An advisory is issued when DEC meteorologists predict pollution levels to exceed an AQI value of 100. NYC’s AQI could reach 112 today, according to AirNow.
This summer, NYC has experienced numerous Air Quality Advisories, as seasonal heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone—a key component of photochemical smog, which develops when sunlight reacts with pollutants in the air.
According to the DEC, New Yorkers should:
- Use mass transit or carpool instead of driving
- 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 (dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters) at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours
- 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.