Air Quality Health Advisory Issued For All Regions of New York State

Air quality is forecasted to reach ‘Unhealthy’ Air Quality Index (AQI) levels on Wednesday for Western and Central New York and Eastern Lake Ontario. At this level, everyone may begin to experience health effects, members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Air quality is forecasted to reach ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ in the remaining regions of the State.

The pollutant of concern is fine Particulate Matter in the air due to Canadian wildfires. The advisory will be in effect from 12 a.m. through 11:59 p.m Wednesday.

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.

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high.