State issues air quality advisory for Wednesday

    TRI-COUNTY AREA—The state has released a health advisory due to high levels of pollution on Wednesday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
    According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, to exceed safety levels across the state, including Yates, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties.
    Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground level ozone a major component of smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary causes of ground level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.
    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 exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor.
    A toll free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by the DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation. Further information on ozone is available on DEC's web site at http://www.dec.ny.gov and http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/ozone.htm on the DOH website.