State Officials Issue 'Ozone Health Advisory' For Long Island

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced that ozone levels may be particularly high Friday, July 8, and that people should be aware of the possible health implications this may have.

Young children, elderly people, people with heart or respiratory conditions and those exercising or working outdoors may be affected by the increased levels of ozone, according to Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken. These groups of people should limit their amount of outdoor physical activity Friday.

Ozone is a poisonous component of smog, produced by the combination of sunlight, emissions and other chemicals in the air. Health officials monitor the levels in the air and let the public know when they should be extra cautious about exposure to this toxin. According the Department of Health, days with increased levels of ozone have higher levels of hospitalization for respiratory conditions and mortality rates.

Ozone is often elevated on hot sunny days and typically rises most after noon and before nightfall.

For more information, visit the Department of Health's website>>

Photo credit: Darren Foreman via Flickr