(WRGB) — An air quality health advisory has been expanded to include the upper Hudson Valley, state officials announced.
Amanda Lefton and Dr. James McDonald said the advisory for fine particulate matter is now in effect for the Upper Hudson Valley on Wednesday, Feb. 18, joining an existing alert for the New York City metro area. The advisory remains in effect until 11:59 p.m.
The alert was issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health due to forecast conditions that could allow pollution levels to rise. Officials say light winds and limited atmospheric mixing are expected to trap pollutants near the ground.
The advisory covers the New York City metro region, including New York City, Rockland and Westchester counties, as well as the Upper Hudson Valley region, which includes Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie and Washington counties.
Officials said air quality advisories are issued when meteorologists predict pollution levels could exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI is a standardized scale used nationwide to measure pollution levels, with higher values indicating greater potential health risks.
The pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, tiny particles or droplets in the air measuring 2.5 microns or smaller. These particles often come from combustion sources such as vehicle exhaust, power plants, fires, and certain chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Health officials warn exposure can cause short-term symptoms including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Elevated levels can also worsen conditions such as asthma or heart disease. Children, older adults, and people with heart or respiratory conditions may be especially sensitive.
Authorities recommend reducing exposure by limiting strenuous outdoor activity when pollution levels are high and minimizing indoor pollution sources such as tobacco smoke, candles or cooking fumes.
Residents can receive updates by signing up for air quality alerts through the state’s notification system or by calling the toll-free Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.