On Thursday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued an air quality alert for New York City, warning that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in areas including Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester County, and Rockland County may exceed 100 on Friday. The alert is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an indicator used to measure daily air quality, ranging from 0 to 500. The higher the number, the higher the level of air pollution and health risks. When the AQI exceeds 300, air quality is considered dangerous.
New York City’s AQI on Thursday was in the yellow moderate range (between 51 and 100), but on Friday, it is expected to reach the orange level (between 101 and 150), indicating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups. This includes the elderly (65 and older), children under 14, pregnant women, and outdoor enthusiasts who may be sensitive to air pollution.
Moreover, air pollution in New York City is mainly composed of ozone and fine particulate matter PM2.5, which have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. Residents, especially those with respiratory diseases, are advised to reduce outdoor activities and monitor air quality reports to protect their health.
It is recommended that people visit the Airnow website to stay informed about the air conditions in their communities (link to Airnow.gov), or register at http://nyc.gov/notify to receive alerts from @NotifyNYC.