For the next year, New York State will take an in-depth, ground-level look at air quality in all parts of the state.

The program is focused on sensitive outdoor areas like schools, day care facilities and public areas where people play.The Department of Environmental Conservation just announced that it selected 23 community partner organizations that will collect samples and identify local air quality concerns.

If air toxics are detected above levels of concern, the state will conduct additional testing. If further sampling confirms air quality concerns, DEC staff will determine possible sources contributing to the pollution levels of concern and look at ways to reduce them. 

"DEC selected communities from all regions across the state to conduct air sampling to help us understand air quality concerns at the community level," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "These samples will provide DEC with a better picture of the state's air quality at the neighborhood level and help identify areas that need to be addressed."

Click here to see if an organization in your area is participating.