MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County Department of Health has issued a Health Advisory until midnight Saturday due to unhealthy outdoor air quality conditions. Wildfires in Canada may cause air quality in Nassau County to reach the unhealthy range of 160-180 on the Air Quality Index (may vary by location).
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman today announced that Nassau County will close all outdoor County pools and beaches on Saturday due to elevated Air Quality Index indicators and thunderstorms that may create flash flooding across the region.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Nassau County through midnight Saturday due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) associated with wildfire smoke affecting the region.
"The health and safety of our residents is our top priority," said Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman. "When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, everyone can be affected, especially children, older adults, individuals with heart or lung disease, pregnant individuals, and those who spend extended periods outdoors. We encourage residents to limit time outdoors until air quality improves."
The Nassau County Department of Health recommends that residents:
- Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.
- Move exercise and recreational activities indoors whenever possible.
- Keep outdoor activities as short as possible.
- Keep windows closed and use air conditioning or air filtration, if available.
- Monitor for symptoms such as eye, nose, or throat irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. Anyone experiencing persistent or severe symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
Residents who work outdoors should reduce strenuous activity whenever possible and take frequent breaks in cleaner indoor air.
Current air quality conditions can be monitored at www.AirNow.gov, and air quality forecasts are available through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at https://appfactory.dec.ny.gov/AQI/.
Additional information about PM2.5 and its health effects is available from the New York State Department of Health at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/air/pmq_a.htm,