Canadian wildfires causing unhealthy air in NYC once again
Oh, Canada! Cough, cough, cough …
Canadian forest fires – and fine particles they spit – feed the quality of unhealthy air in the New York metro region.
Around noon on Saturday, New York emergency management issued an air quality health notice, because the Big Apple air quality index, or AQI, had to reach 101 to 150.
Around 8:30 p.m., the Gotham Aqi was still stuck in the unhealthy area at 137.
“Unhealthy for sensitive groups and can be unhealthy for people sensitive to air pollution,” tweeted Nycem.
“Forest Fire smoke takes into the New York region today, bringing a misty sky, reduced visibility and potential breathing problems,” added the agency.
The same poor air conditions should continue until Sunday, said Nycem.
Likewise, the New York State Environmental Conservation Department and Governor Hochul have issued an even more swept air quality notice – “due to smoke and forest fires in Canada” – for the slightest eastern half of New York State, Long Island and the Metropolitan Region of New York, at the top of Hudson Valley and Adirondacks.
This health alert extends from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Depending on the DEC advice, the fine particle (PM) consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air which are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 particles are often combustion products – such as vehicle exhaust, power plants and fires – and chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Exposure can cause short -term irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, cough, sneezing, flowing nose and shortness of breath. Exposure to high PM levels can also worsen medical conditions, such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, as well as children and the elderly, can be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.
For people sensitive to air quality, it is advisable to monitor air quality alerts, stay inside and use air conditioning and air purifiers – and even consider creating a “safe part” with a air conditioner whose doors and windows can be sealed to outside air.
If you go out and know that you are particularly affected by poor air quality, it is advisable to wear a facial mask that can filter fine air particles, like an N95 or a KN95.
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