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Smog and heat: Health officials advise taking it easy

By Howard B. Owens

There's a light haze hanging over Batavia. It reminds me of smog, which I've seen plenty of in San Diego, Los Angeles and Bakersfield -- a place with the distinction of having the worst air quality in the nation.

There is an air quality alert here in effect until 10 p.m. today, issued by the New State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The air-quality index is at 125.

According to Wikipedia, when the API is between 100 and 200: "People with existing heart or respiratory illnesses may notice mild aggravation of their health conditions. Generally healthy individuals may also notice some discomfort."

The Department of Health recommends limiting strenuous outdoor activity. People, especially the very young or those with asthma or heart disease, should consult with a physician immediately if any adverse symptoms arise.

Ritchie Kirkum Jr

Ugh it's hot!!!! Good thing Summer in WNY only lasts for 1 week. I'm a Sales Rep at Darien Lake and there are HUGE lines for the waterpark/rides today and the park is packed. Waiting for the first "pass out/heat stroke call". We've been lucky so far today.

Aug 17, 2009, 1:38pm Permalink
Bob Price

Everybody was crying the blues on how wet and cool it was-I'd like to kick them right in their a** right now!!!! I enjoy it like that(well,except for most of the rain)-didn't have to use a/c(cheaper electric bills) until last week.

Aug 17, 2009, 2:21pm Permalink
Richard Gahagan

You frozen tundra yankees crack me up almost as much as the rednecks wearing winter coats when its 40 in texas. Ya finally get a couple days that you can actually see the sun and yall complain. That's your problem the lack of sunshine messes up your brain.

Aug 17, 2009, 3:54pm Permalink
Mardell Lamb

I've never complained about the cooler temps & rain these past few months. It was great! Not fond of HEAT & humidity. Both cars have no A/C ~ nor does our apt. It's awful today. Closed the windows & drapes to keep the sun out. The fans aren't "cutting it." Looking forward to Fall for sure. Never been afraid of winter ~ give me a white Christmas & I'll be happy!! Snowflakes on Thanksgiving are pretty good, too! :o)

Aug 17, 2009, 4:15pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I used to be a desert rat -- out to the Anza-Borrego Desert every weekend for hiking and exploring. And the two years right before moving to New York, I lived in Bakersfield. Summers of nearly every day at 100+ are the norm. I thought I liked it.

I'm rather surprised at myself. I've had enough of the heat.

Aug 17, 2009, 4:23pm Permalink
Peter O'Brien

Bring on the heat, I miss the 110 degree temps at 2:00 am that Bahrain had to offer.

Last night I went and played soccer for two hours at JFK. It was a good time.

Aug 18, 2009, 7:13am Permalink
Chelsea O'Brien

"Retard"? I'd say he was anything but developmentally slow, he pulled out his weapon when he was pissed.

He more than likely knew it wasn't loaded. He knew it would probably bring the cops. And he knew it would cause a reaction. If someone decided that their family's caravan to Disney world was more important than obeying traffic laws, and pulled an RV up the side of the road so you couldn't pass you'd probably get upset, too.

For all of the preaching you do about not knowing what it's like to have children and whatnot, you should know better than to use "retard" to describe this guy.

Aug 18, 2009, 9:33am Permalink

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