New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an updated air quality health advisory today to include Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties.
The advisory is for fine particulate matter due to the statewide impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. New Yorkers may see visible smoke and hazy skies across the state and spikes in smoke-related pollution.
DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100.
According to AirNow.gov, today’s index for the Adirondacks Region is forecast to reach 101 and deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups.
The advisory will be in effect until midnight.
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 heart disease and asthma.
People with heart or breathing problems, older adults, children and teens, pregnant people, and those who exercise or work outdoors may be particularly sensitive.