Air Quality Alert for New York City Due to Wildfire Smoke
Most of the Tri-State Area, including New York City, is under an air quality alert Wednesday and Thursday due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveMost of the Tri-State Area, including New York City, is under an air quality alert Wednesday and Thursday due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
The alert is also due to ground-level ozone. New Yorkers can expect to see smoke over the five boroughs during the mid-morning hours.
The updated advisory now includes the Long Island, New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, and Adirondack regions with a forecast as unhealthy for sensitive groups. The Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York and Western New York regions are forecast as unhealthy.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to reach Level Orange (AQI between 101-150) – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and may be unhealthy for those sensitive to air pollution (older adults over 65 or children younger than 14, pregnant individuals, outdoor workers, and those with medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or respiratory issues such as asthma). The risk of air quality-related health impacts from outdoor activities remains low for healthy people.
Officials from the city’s emergency management department said the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, older adults and those who are pregnant or have other medical conditions are advised to limit time outside.
“Know the warning signs: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and unusual fatigue. If symptoms are severe — especially difficulty breathing or chest pain — seek immediate medical attention or call 911,” emergency officials stated.
Affected people also should consider wearing a KN95 or N95 mask if they must be outside. Free masks are available at some public libraries and firehouses.
For the latest AQI in your area, visit www.AirNow.gov.
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