Air Quality Warnings and Mask Distribution in Effect for New York Region

The Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a ground-level ozone warning for the lower Hudson Valley region in New York, which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster, and Sullivan counties. The advisory is in effect through Saturday, and the primary sources of ground-level ozone are automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources. Ozone is a colorless gas that can produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations. The federal Environmental Protection Agency has provided guidelines for staying indoors during poor air quality, including keeping windows and doors closed, using air filters, and having N95 masks on hand. The air quality health advisory has been extended through Saturday, with most of the Capital Region and Hudson Valley categorized as "unhealthy."