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Wildfires

Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for New York City Metro Region

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A health advisory has been issued for the New York City Metro region, affecting New York City and surrounding areas in Rockland and Westchester counties, due to high ozone levels expected on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The advisory is issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the State Department of Health (DOH). People with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, young children, and those who exercise outdoors are advised to limit strenuous physical activity during peak ozone hours.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Air Quality Health Advisory is issued for Sunday, August 10, 2025, for ozone levels in the New York City Metro region.
  • The advisory affects New York City and surrounding areas in Rockland and Westchester counties.
  • The pollutant of concern is ozone, which is expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100, posing a health concern for vulnerable populations.
  • Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog, primarily caused by automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources.
  • Ozone is a colorless gas, but high concentrations can produce hazy skies and reduce visibility. It is also enhanced by the presence of wildfire smoke.
  • New Yorkers are advised to take energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps, such as using mass transit, carpooling, and turning off lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas.
  • The DEC and DOH provide additional information on ozone and PM2.5 on their websites, as well as a new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index.

Statistics:

  • 60% of pollution in New York City's cities is accounted for by automobile emissions.
  • The Air Quality Index (AQI) values above 100 indicate a higher health concern.
  • 11 a.m. Sunday, August 10, 2025, marks the start of the Air Quality Health Advisory.
  • 11 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2025, marks the end of the Air Quality Health Advisory.

Sources:

  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
  • State Department of Health (DOH)
  • DEC's website: dec.ny.gov
  • DOH's website: health.ny.gov

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