DEC issues air quality alert today

Photo by Tom Rivers – These purple tulips are pictured on Platt Street in Albion last Friday.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality alert for today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for Orleans, Niagara, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.

Today is forecast from a high of 82 degrees. The DEC says people should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

The DEC says air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than the air quality index value of 100 for the pollutant of ozone. When pollution levels are elevated, the State Department of Health recommends that individuals reduce strenuous outdoor activity.

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, according to the DEC alert.

The forecast for the next few days includes highs of 83 with a chance for showers on Thursday, high near 85 and chance for showers on Friday, high near 88 with chance for showers on Saturday, high near 86 with chance for showers on Sunday, and a high near 81 with chance for showers on Monday, Memorial Day.