Air Quality Action Days are days when the Air Quality Index (AQI) gets into the unhealthy ranges.
On these days, air quality may be unhealthy for people who are sensitive to air pollution, including:
- People with heart and lung problems
- Older adults
- Children
- Immunocompromised people
- Pregnant people
You can learn more about Air Quality Action Days and air pollution and find out the current AQI in your area. You can also sign up for daily alerts so you know when air quality may be unhealthy.
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Get the air quality forecast.
Sign up for Air Quality Alerts.
At an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 101-150, New Yorkers who are most sensitive to low air quality should follow management plans for their medical conditions.
You should also take these precautions when outdoors.
- Limit time outdoors and/or take frequent breaks from the outdoors
- Avoid intense (strenuous) and prolonged (more than one hour) activities (children with asthma are especially sensitive)
- Be alert for any symptoms
- Monitor conditions
- Wear a high-quality mask like an N95 to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants when air quality is poor
When the AQI goes over 150, all New Yorkers should take those same precautions.
On Air Quality Action Days, it is also recommended that you:
- Stay indoors and do not exert yourself unnecessarily
- Limit driving; share a ride, use public transit, or work from home
- Close the fresh air intake to prevent outdoor air from entering your home when using an air conditioner
- Don't mow your lawn
- Keep your indoor air clean by delaying some activities, such as:
- Painting and spraying aerosol products, which add harmful vapors to indoor and outdoor air
- Frying or broiling foods
- Vacuuming
- Burning candles and incense
- Using a fireplace
- Smoking tobacco products
Get outdoor air quality health recommendations based on AQI.
Get outdoor air quality health recommendations based on AQI for child care, school, and camps.
- Agency: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- Division: Air Quality Hotline
- Phone Number: (800) 535-1345
- Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
