NYC air quality health advisory to go into effect for Wednesday

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for New York City.

The advisory will go into effect beginning Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The agency advises active children and adults, and people with respiratory problems, such as asthma to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease or lung disease, as well as children under 18, adults 65 and older, and those who are pregnant, officials have previously said.

Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The NYC metro area has a predicted AQI of 101 — which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

For people who spend time outdoors, wearing a well-fitting face mask is recommended when air quality is unhealthy. An N95 or KN95 will work best.

On Staten Island, the masks will be available at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 83 Nielson Ave. in Charleston, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.