Air Quality Alert in effect for NYC, parts of Tri-State; advisory re-issued for some areas Thursday

NEW YORK (WABC) -- An Air Quality Alert has been re-issued by the National Weather Service for parts of the Tri-State area for Thursday, as ground-level ozone may approach or exceed unhealthy standards for a second straight day.

Sensitive individuals, including the very young, the elderly, and persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma, should avoid strenuous activities during the afternoon and early evening hours.

Skies will also be hazy due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires.

Check air quality in your area here

Sunny skies, hot temperatures, and light winds out of the southwest will create a favorable environment for ozone levels to rise along the I-95 corridor.



The air quality alert on Wednesday included New York City and Hudson Valley in New York; Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Union counties in New Jersey; and Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and Northern New London counties in Connecticut


The alert on Thursday, so far, has been issued for New York City and Hudson Valley in New York.

The advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. on Thursday.

What is Ground-Level Ozone?

Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight triggers a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants are released by motor vehicles, construction equipment, industrial facilities, electric utilities, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents. Although these sources do not emit ozone directly, they release the compounds that create it, particularly in hot and sunny weather.

Who could be affected, and what you should do

People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening).



When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:

use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;

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 at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;

set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;

purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and

reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.

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