An Air Quality Action Day Is Forecast In NY Area

The New York State Department of Transportation has declared that today (Monday, August 17, 2009) is an Air Quality Action Day in the downstate metro area due to forecasted high levels of ground-level ozone pollution in parts of the region (please visit the Clean Air NY Web site for more information http://www.cleanairny.org/LocalAirQuality/Default.aspx).

While today is still a day when people can go about most of their normal activities, such as going to work, driving may be one of the most polluting activities that you do today, and we encourage everyone to leave their cars at home if possible.

Ground-level ozone is a respiratory irritant that can trigger asthma attacks and aggravate emphysema, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments. Children, people with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions, people doing strenuous outdoor work or exercise and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of ozone.

Here are several simple steps you can take on Air Quality Action Days to prevent pollution:

Combine errands into a single trip, rather than separate trips. This can help save time and reduce the amount of pollution emitted from your vehicle.

Take the subway, bus or train when possible.

Postpone unnecessary trips. Avoiding motor vehicle trips on Air Quality Action Days will prevent the formation of air pollution.

Refuel your vehicle in the evening when it’s cooler outside.

Avoid letting your vehicle idle, such as at the fast food or bank teller drive-thru.
Postpone using gas-powered gardening equipment such as lawn mowers on Air Quality Action Days. Wait for a day when air quality is better.

Forward this message to your family and friends.

To learn more about improving air quality or if you were forwarded this message and want us to send updates to your own e-mail address, visit CleanAirNY.org or call 1-877-ILUVAIR (1-877-458-8247).

Clean Air NY is sponsored by the New York State Department of Transportation in support of regionwide air-quality efforts.

511NY is New York State's official traffic and travel info source. Whether you drive or take public transit, click here for precisely what you need, or simply dial 511 on your phone.