Air Quality Advisory Issued for New York Regions Due to Wildfire Smoke

An air quality health advisory has been issued for several regions in New York today (August 4) due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) expanded the advisory, which began on Sunday, to include Central and Western New York, the Adirondacks, Upper and Lower Hudson Valley, Eastern Lake Ontario, and the New York City Metro areas.

The advisory warns that air quality in these regions is "unhealthy for sensitive groups," with the Air Quality Index (AQI) predicted to be above 100 and possibly reaching 135 in some areas. The AQI measures pollution severity, with higher numbers indicating greater health risks. The pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can cause short-term health effects like irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and worsen conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with heart or breathing problems, are advised to take precautions.

The DEC and DOH recommend minimizing outdoor activities and reducing indoor sources of PM2.5, such as tobacco smoke and cooking fumes. For more information, residents can visit the DEC's website or call the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

This is not the first time air quality alerts have been issued in the U.S. due to Canadian wildfire smoke. Earlier this year, similar alerts were issued for Chicago. The ongoing wildfires in Canada have forced tens of thousands to evacuate, with over 550 active fires currently burning, primarily in Manitoba. Scientists link the intensifying wildfire seasons to climate change, with Canada warming at twice the global average rate.