Air Quality Alert Issued in New York Due to Smoke from Canadian Wildfires
On Saturday, New York faced an air quality alert as smoke from wildfires in Canada enveloped the state.
The alert, announced by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health, affects all five boroughs, Long Island, as well as the Lower and Upper Hudson Valley and the Adirondack region.
Amidst hazy skies, authorities urged residents to remain indoors and to refrain from vigorous outdoor activities.
Fine particulate matter—specifically PM2.5—is predicted to elevate the Air Quality Index beyond 100, reaching unhealthy levels for vulnerable populations, such as children, seniors, and individuals with heart or lung conditions.
Officials cautioned that exposure to these minuscule particles could lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath. Additionally, these pollutants may exacerbate asthma and heart disease.
The alert is expected to last until Sunday.
This occurrence marks the latest wave of smoke impacting the region in 2023. A similar alert was issued in early June when a combination of ozone pollution and wildfire smoke from Canada prompted warnings throughout the tri-state area.
As of July 23, Canada has reported 3,345 wildfires this year, consuming over 14 million acres—more than double the average for the past decade—with over 50 of these blazes currently uncontrolled.
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