The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for New York City and Westchester County from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday.
The advisory covers New York (Manhattan), Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island) and Westchester counties.
State officials said air quality is expected to exceed an Air Quality Index, or AQI, value of 100 because of elevated levels of ground-level ozone, a pollutant that can pose health risks when concentrations increase.
The state Department of Health recommends that residents consider limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the advisory period, particularly those who may be especially sensitive to air pollution, including young children and people with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions.
Anyone experiencing symptoms related to poor air quality should consult a physician.
More information is available through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s air quality website or by calling the Air Quality Hotline at 800-535-1345.
See air quality in your areaWhat is an air quality alert?
Air quality alerts are issued when elevated levels of pollutants in the air make it unsafe to be outside.
Particles from wildfire smoke can cause minor symptoms, such as mild eye or throat irritation, or more serious heart and lung issues in some cases, according to the National Weather Service. Wildfire smoke particles are especially dangerous for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with heart or respiratory conditions.
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
The best way to protect yourself from poor air quality is to stay indoors, especially when the Air Quality Index reaches above 101, which is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to the Environmental Protection Agency .
Here are some additional steps you can take to protect yourself from poor air quality, including wildfire smoke, according to the Wisconsin DNR:
Keep windows and doors closed.
Use an indoor air purifier.
Run your AC on recirculate with a high-efficiency air filter.
Avoid activities that can increase indoor pollution, like vacuuming, using candles, frying foods or using gas appliances.
Use a damp cloth to trap and clean up dust, instead of a dry cloth or duster, which will only make the dust airborne again.
If you must go outside, wear a N95 mask.
What the AQI Index means
0-50 (Good): Air quality is satisfactory; little or no health risk.
51-100 (Moderate): Generally acceptable, but may affect those unusually sensitive to air pollution.
101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Risk increases for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions.
151-200 (Unhealthy): Everyone may begin to experience health effects; sensitive groups may be more seriously impacted.
201-300 (Very Unhealthy): Emergency conditions; health alert for the entire population.
301-500 (Hazardous): Serious risk for everyone; avoid all outdoor activity.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Air quality alert issued for NYC, Westchester. What to know