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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Air quality health messaging and protocols
0:20:41
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Carolyn Olson explains the city's approach to air quality advisories and the messaging used to protect public health.
- The city developed a detailed emergency response protocol after the 2023 wildfire smoke event
- Health messaging is based on the EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI)
- The primary message focuses on limiting time spent outdoors and reducing outdoor activity levels
- Opening cooling centers as clean air centers could conflict with the evidence-based messaging to stay home
- The best protection against air pollution is to implement programs reducing overall pollution levels in the city
Carolyn Olson
0:20:41
An important component of this preparation was the development of clear evidence based health messaging for New Yorkers based on the EPA's air quality index or AQI.
0:20:52
The health department provides guidance for the general public and for childcare and school settings on our website for events.
0:21:00
The primary message we want to deliver is that short term ambient air pollution exposure is driven by two main factors, the amount of time spent outside and the level of people's activity when they are outdoors.
0:21:14
During low during lower level advisories for people who are sensitive to air pollution, we do not advise changes in behavior for the general public.
0:21:25
Once the AQI reaches a 50 it can be unhealthy for anyone and our messaging focuses on staying indoors and limiting any strenuous activity outside.
0:21:36
Opening public's cooling centers as clean air centers would conflict with the clear evidence based messaging to stay home.
0:21:44
Lastly, the health effects from short term air pollution exposure increased gradually in contrast to the rapid rise in illness and death associated with extreme heat.
0:21:55
The best way to protect vulnerable New Yorkers from air pollution will be to continue to implement programs to reduce levels of air pollution in the city and thereby decrease the chronic exposures that have the greatest impact on health.