Ozone And Smoke: Hudson Valley Air Quality Advisory

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Ozone plus fine particulate matter in the air are affecting its quality Wednesday in the Hudson Valley.

It's worst in Rockland and Westchester counties, where the air quality is deemed "unhealthy." For the Mid-Hudson Valley, the air pollution level is ranked "moderate."

While ozone is the air pollution at fault in the lower Hudson Valley, it is fine particulate matter that dropped the mid-Hudson's air quality to "moderate" from "good." Only the Adirondacks are enjoying good air quality Wednesday.

AirNow.gov's fire and smoke map shows the atmosphere affected in the Mid-Atlantic and into New England.

As of Tuesday, there were 24 large wildland fires burning in the United States, eight of them new, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. According to the Canadian Interagency Fire Centre, which counts all active fires, there were 879 burning in Canada, six of them new.

When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that you consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.

A toll free air quality hotline has been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation. The toll free number is 1-800-535-1345.