Air Quality Health Advisory Issued For Central New York

The New State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for much of New York state, including Central New York.

The pollutant of concern is ozone.  Officials say summer heat can lead to the formation of ground level ozone, a major component of smog.

People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease, such as asthma, 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 your exposure.  Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor.

The advisory will be in effect through 10:00 tonight.