Air Quality in Tri-State Impacted by Wildfire Smoke from Canada
New York City (WABC) — The Tri-State area is once again experiencing a decline in air quality due to smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada. As a result, Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has issued an air quality health advisory for Wednesday in the Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York regions. With over 300 wildfires still burning in Canada, the effects of climate change are becoming a reality for residents in the Tri-State area.
During a briefing on Tuesday, Governor Hochul emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change. She stated, “If you want to know the effects of climate change, you are going to feel it tomorrow in real time. This is not something we are talking about future generations dealing with. We are truly the first generation dealing with the real effects of climate change and we are also the last generation to do anything meaningful about it.”
According to the air quality index recommended by Governor Hochul, residents can check the current air quality at AirNow.gov. As of Tuesday, the index showed the city entering the moderate range, which is above 50. New York City Mayor Eric Adams also warned that the air quality in the city is expected to be impacted starting Wednesday, and it is likely to continue degrading into Thursday.
Meteorologist Jeff Smith explained that the near-surface smoke is projected to circulate around the northeast of the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving the New York City metro area in a relatively clear air pocket. However, on Thursday, as the system moves towards the ocean, western New York may experience a decline in air quality.
The deteriorating air quality may reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. The situation could worsen further if wind patterns bring more smoke into the region on Thursday and early Friday. In such conditions, it is advised to limit outdoor activities, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.
Dr. Barbara Hamm, a Mount Sinai pulmonologist, recommends monitoring the air quality index closely. She suggests that when the index exceeds 150, it is best for everyone to stay home as much as possible. Additionally, wearing a mask, particularly in the subway where air quality is typically worse, can offer some protection.
With the rising air quality concerns, Governor Hochul has called on summer camps to limit outdoor activities for children and employers to reduce outdoor work time for employees while providing masks. The combination of high heat and humidity, in addition to the wildfire smoke, poses an extra risk, making caution paramount.
To address the issue, the MTA plans to make N95 masks available at transit hubs like Grand Central and Penn Station in the coming days. These masks can help filter out small particles present in the smoke, reducing the risk of respiratory issues.
As the Tri-State area grapples with the impact of wildfire smoke from Canada, it is crucial for residents to stay updated on the air quality conditions and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
For the latest updates on air quality in the Tri-State area, visit the ABC7 Air Quality Tracker.
Original Story at abc7ny.com – 2023-06-28 02:15:00
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