Christian Abbatecola - LongIsland.com Columnist

Weather Alert  

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the following counties: New York, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Westchester, and Rockland, Until 11 PM EDT This Evening. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Ground Level Ozone. The Air Quality Index, or AQI, 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 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 5 3 5, 1 3 4 5.

Christian Abbatecola is a staff writer for LongIsland.com and has previously written for other publications including Best Buy Mobile Magazine. A life-long techie, he regularly keeps track of advancements in new technologies and developments in the mobile world; he also takes an interest in a variety of other topics ranging from sports and local news to national and international affairs. Christian can be reached at ChrisA@LongIsland.com.