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Due to a concerning level of fine particulate matter in the air resulting from this week's Canadian wildfires, the New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory that currently lasts until 11:59 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, June 8; please note, however, that the advisory may be extended depending on wind patterns and other factors. Please click here to view the dangers of breathing in wildfire smoke.
In response, Mayor Adams announced that NYC public school outdoor activities have been cancelled today out of an abundance of caution and New Yorkers are being advised to wear a high quality mask, such as a KN95 or N95, in order to help prevent breathing in smoke and particulate matter. Please Note: children, older adults, people who are pregnant, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases are especially vulnerable to experiencing adverse health outcomes from breathing in wildfire smoke; however, the air quality index is currently at over 300, which is a hazardous level for everyone. If you are able, it is safest to stay inside, but if you must go outside, please wear a mask to help protect your health.
Also in response to the high volume of smoke, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has called for ground delays at LaGuardia and Newark Airports. If you are traveling out of a metropolitan-NYC airport today or tomorrow, please check the FAA website for updates. It is also possible that local meetings and events may be canceled or rescheduled - I encourage you to confirm that any activities are still being held before going outside.
The level of wildfire smoke and air quality index is unprecedented. Please see the FAQ's below for additional information and precautionary measures that you can take.
What is fine particulate matter? As explained on the NYS DEC website:
Fine particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g. vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.
What health effects might I experience from breathing in wildfire smoke? The CDC wildfire smoke webpage lists the following health effects that people might experience:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing normally
- Stinging eyes
- A scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Irritated sinuses
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- An asthma attack
- Tiredness
- Fast heartbeat
How can I protect myself and loved ones from breathing in wildfire smoke? The CDC wildfire webpage lists the following precautionary measures, as well as others:
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Visit AirNow.gov to check the current air quality index. Please see the AQI Legend below for more information on how to interpret index levels.
- Stay indoors if possible and keep your indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is very hot outside. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
- Use an air filter. Use a freestanding indoor air filter with particle removal to help protect people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions and the elderly and children from the effects of wildfire smoke.
- Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles and fireplaces. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke tobacco or other products, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
- Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease or cardiovascular disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
- Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper “comfort” or “dust” masks commonly found at hardware stores trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke.
For additional information, please see the following resources:
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