The New York State Department of Transportation has just declared that Monday is an Air Quality Action Day in the downstate metro area due to forecasted high levels of ground-level ozone in parts of the region.
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.
Today, area residents are urged to take the following actions to reduce the formation of pollution and ensure their health and productivity:
Combine errands into a single trip, rather than separate trips. This can help save time and reduce pollution.
Postpone unnecessary trips. Avoiding motor vehicle trips on Air Quality Action Days will prevent the formation of air pollution.
Take the subway, bus or train to and from work on Air Quality Action Days.
Ride in a carpool if you know someone to share a ride with.
Bring lunch to work instead of driving out to get it. You will save time, money and help to improve our air.
Avoid letting your vehicle idle, such as at the fast food or bank teller drive-thru.
Avoid fleet vehicle idling every day and especially on Air Quality Action Days.
“While today is still a day when people can go about most of their normal activities like going to work, driving may be one of the most polluting activities that people do today, and The New York State Department of Transportation is encouraging everyone to leave their cars at home if possible,” Clean Air NY said in a statement.
