Air Quality Health Advisory in effect for New York City, Long Island, Rockland and Westchester counties Wednesday
LONG BEACH, N.Y. - Be mindful if you're spending time outdoors Wednesday.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for New York City from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Wednesday.
People with respiratory problems like asthma, active children and adults, are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outside.
The Air Quality Health Advisory covers New York City, Long Island, Rockland and Westchester counties.
This time, the culprit is not Canadian wildfire smoke - it's ground level ozone, which is frequently a problem during hot summer days. Vehicle exhaust and other industrial emissions contribute to it. It's not as visible as other sorts of pollutants because it is a colorless gas, but contributes to haziness in the sky.
Ground level ozone is not the same as upper atmosphere ozone, which is protective. Ground level ozone layers typically decrease at night.
CBS New York spoke with a doctor about what New Yorkers should do if they are out Wednesday, including drink lots of liquid infused with electrolytes.
"It's definitely putting us at risk for dehydration, especially the elderly, young children and folks with preexisting conditions," said Dr. Pavel Gozenput, director of Critical Care at Mount Sinai South Nassau. "Due to poor air quality, patients who are at significant risk for asthma attacks and patients with emphysema should really wear a mask if they're outside or try to stay indoors."
Remember, this is also an important time to check on elderly neighbors and keep pets indoor as much as possible.
According to the DEC, people should:
- Use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60% of pollution in our cities
- Conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips
- Turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas
- Use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees
- Close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air
- Limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters
- Set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures
- Purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label
- Reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.
To find out more about ground level ozone, CLICK HERE. For more information from the National Weather Service, CLICK HERE. You can find the latest on the Air Quality Index near you by CLICKING HERE. A toll-free air quality hotline has been established - call 1-800-535-1345.
And you can get the latest First Alert Weather forecast by CLICKING HERE.
Hot weather doesn't stop the enjoyment at Long Beach
A hot summer day usually draws crowds to the beach, looking to cool off.
But there were also many braving the heat - working in it.
It was a sizzling hot summer day, but that didn't stop people from coming to Long Beach.
"Came all the way from New Jersey to sit here on this beautiful beach," beachgoer Howard Doorman said.
"The breeze, you could feel it. It's way better than back there," beachgoer Whitney Nuwby.
It was baby Amari's first time at the beach.
"I feel like this is something he needs to experience. We haven't made it to the beach. It's his first time," Nuwby said.
While many played volleyball, laid on the beach with their chairs and umbrellas, and swam in the ocean, others had to work on the sweltering sand.
"It gets up to 92 degrees sometimes outside. My legs burn. I have to throw a towel down on the floor and step on it," Armani C. Rios said.
Rios does beach setups from the doorstep to the sand. Jason Schwartz sets up beach chairs.
"You just feel like you're sweating. Your face gets all hot, skin gets hot. But mostly it's the feet. The feet are a killer. The sand is brutal," Schwartz said.
Maiya Abramson works in the kitchen at Riptides restaurant on the boardwalk.
"It's really hot, hectic, crazy in the kitchen. Try to get the orders out for our customers," Abramson said.
Doctors say be on the lookout for heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat strokes during the scorching heat, humidity and poor air quality, which is expected to last until 11 p.m. Wednesday.
"It's that combination of that heat and the air quality, it does make those that are susceptible to respiratory illnesses, those with asthma or chronic obstructed pulmonary disease," Dr. Frederick Davis, associate chair of the emergency department at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. "With heat exhaustion, really, you'll start to feel tired, maybe a little nauseous, you'll feel dizzy, weak."
Doctor's orders: Hydrate and limit the amount of time outside.
In the meantime, restaurant owners said more people at the beach means more business.
Doctors recommend keeping your pets inside and check on your neighbors during these hot summer months, especially if they are elderly.