Air quality alert issued for today
Photo by Tom Rivers: These bales of straw are shown recently on Telegraph Road in Ridgeway.
The State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality alert today for Orleans County, as well as Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Wyoming, Genesee and Niagara counties.
Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for ozone. The air quality index was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern.
When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals 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 pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.
Today is forecast for a high of 89 degrees. Sunday will reach 92 with heat index values as high as 100, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
