Wildfires in Canada are once again impacting the air quality in the Tri-State area, prompting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration to issue an air quality health advisory for Wednesday. More than 300 wildfires are currently burning in Canada, and the smoke is expected to affect the Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York regions.
During a briefing on Tuesday, Gov. Hochul emphasized the immediate and real-time effects of climate change, stating that the current generation is both experiencing these effects and responsible for taking meaningful action. The air quality index, which can be checked at AirNow.gov, showed the city entering the moderate range over 50 on Tuesday.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams tweeted that the air in the city is expected to be impacted starting Wednesday and will continue to degrade into Thursday. Meteorologist Jeff Smith explained that the near-surface smoke forecast indicates the smoke will circulate around the northeast of the U.S., leaving the New York City metro area in a “donut hole” with mostly clear air. However, on Thursday, as the system pushes towards the ocean, some of the near-surface smoke is expected to reach western New York.
The air quality is projected to deteriorate, potentially reaching unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Wind coming in from the northwest could further worsen the air quality into later Thursday and early Friday. Mount Sinai pulmonologist Dr. Barbara Mann advised monitoring the air quality index and recommended staying home as much as possible when it exceeds 150. Wearing a mask is also advised, especially in the subway where the air quality is expected to be worse.
Gov. Hochul is urging summer camps to limit outdoor activities for children and employers to limit work time outdoors for employees while providing masks. The current weather conditions, which are hot and muggy, combined with the wildfire smoke, pose an extra concern. The higher ozone layers from the heat and humidity, along with the small particles from the smoke, can be problematic when they enter the bloodstream.
To mitigate the impact, the governor announced that the MTA will make N95 masks available at transit hubs like Grand Central and Penn Station in the coming days. It is crucial for residents to take precautions and prioritize their health during this period of compromised air quality.
For more information and updates on air quality, residents can refer to the Air Quality Tracker on ABC7’s website.
What specific measures should individuals in the affected regions take to mitigate the health risks associated with the moderate to unhealthy levels of air quality caused by the wildfires
Recentfires.ca, is currently showing moderate to unhealthy levels in various areas of the Tri-State region.
The wildfires in Canada have once again caused a decline in air quality in the Tri-State area, leading to the issuance of an air quality health advisory by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration for Wednesday. With over 300 wildfires currently burning in Canada, the smoke is expected to impact the Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York regions.
Gov. Hochul highlighted the immediate and ongoing consequences of climate change during a briefing on Tuesday. She stressed that the current generation is experiencing these effects firsthand and bears the responsibility of taking meaningful action to address this global challenge. An essential resource for monitoring the air quality index is available at recentfires.ca. As of now, the index displays levels ranging from moderate to unhealthy in various parts of the Tri-State area.
Overall, it is crucial for individuals in the affected regions to remain cautious and prioritize their health during this period of reduced air quality. Following the guidance and recommendations provided by Gov. Hochul’s administration, such as staying indoors and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, will help protect everyone’s well-being.
It’s disheartening to see the recurring impact of Canadian wildfires on our air quality. The issued health advisory is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and prioritize effective wildfire management strategies. Our collective efforts are crucial to protect public health and our environment.