(WBEN) The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for all of New York on Wednesday as smoke from wildfires in Ontario, Canada, moves across the state.
The smoke is creating hazy skies and raising levels of fine-particle pollution, including in Western New York, the Hudson Valley and New York City. Conditions may fluctuate throughout the day, and state health officials say air quality could worsen Thursday.
Officials stress that visible smoke is not always an accurate measure of air quality.
The advisory comes as New Yorkers also contend with high heat, creating two health-related concerns: extreme temperatures and poor air quality.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald urged residents to take precautions when outdoor pollution levels are elevated. People who are especially sensitive to air pollution, including children, older adults and those with heart or lung conditions, may be affected at lower pollution levels.
When air quality reaches the orange category, sensitive groups may face health effects. A red air-quality category means pollution may be unhealthy for everyone.
Residents should consider these steps during periods of elevated pollution: limit strenuous outdoor activity, particularly exercise that causes heavy breathing, move activities indoors when possible, keep windows closed and use air conditioning rather than bringing outdoor air inside, set vehicle and home air-conditioning systems to recirculation mode, when available, to reduce the amount of outdoor air entering, and check air-quality updates before spending extended time outside.
When outdoor pollution levels are elevated, going indoors can reduce smoke exposure.
The DEC operates an air-quality hotline at 1-800-535-1345 for updated information.
Smoke from Ontario wildfires is creating hazy skies and elevated pollution levels across the state
Smoke from Ontario wildfires is creating hazy skies and elevated pollution levels across the state
