Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that the air quality health advisory has expanded to include the entire state of New York, as a result of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires continuing to cause the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach harmful levels.
On Wednesday, June 28, the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health updated the Air Quality Health Advisory, with air in the Western New York, Central New York, and the Eastern Lake Ontario regions all expected to hit levels that are unhealthy for all residents. For the remainder of the state, including New York City and Long Island, the air quality is forecasted to be "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" — which includes individuals with cardiovascular or lung disease, children under 18, adults over 65 years of age, and pregnant people.
In response to the air quality impacts, hundreds of thousands of N95-style masks will be made available to New Yorkers. According to a release from Governor Hochul, the masks will be distributed at major transit hubs and state parks throughout New York City, including Atlantic Avenue station and Shirley Chisholm State Park in Brooklyn.
Governor Hochul also announced the first-time use of emergency cell phone alerts, which will be used to warn residents if the air quality index exceeds the 200 threshold (signifying "Very Unhealthy" air). The alerts will be sent to New Yorkers via the Wireless Emergency Alert system.
"With smoke from the Canadian wildfires once again impacting air quality throughout our state this week, we're urging New Yorkers to remain vigilant," said Governor Hochul. "We're activating emergency cell phone alerts to ensure New Yorkers have the latest information and are continuing to coordinate with local counties to monitor conditions and distribute masks. I encourage all New Yorkers to stay informed about the latest updates and take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones."
In light of the health advisory, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) has offered up a number of precautions related to AQI levels.
When the AQI is over 100 ("Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups"), vulnerable groups are recommended to avoid exertion outdoors. Over 150 ("Unhealthy"), all New Yorkers are advised to keep away from strenuous outdoor activities, and vulnerable individuals should avoid exposure to the outdoors completely.
For AQI levels greater than 200 ("Very Unhealthy"), vulnerable groups are recommended to avoid all physical activity outdoors (and to reschedule or move activities indoors, when possible), while others are instructed to avoid long or intense outdoor activities. When the AQI clocks in at over 300 ("Hazardous"), all New Yorkers are advised to avoid outdoor physical activities in general.
"With elevated air pollution levels now predicted across the state, the New York State Department of Health recommends New Yorkers remain aware of their local air quality and take necessary precautions, which may include limiting strenuous outdoor activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects," said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
For more information on the New York State Air Quality forecast, head over to the Department of Environmental Conservation website. To check your location's current air quality, go to www.airnow.gov.
