2023-06-10 03:37:21
what to know
- “For more than a week, we have been sounding the alarm that air quality issues are serious and pose a threat to the health and well-being of New Yorkers,” said Governor Hochul.
- With current levels in affected regions across New York State ranging from yellow to orange, the Department of Health recommends taking the necessary precautions.
- The airflow is expected to continue to send the heaviest smoke into southern and western New York, with the southern and western regions of the state continuing to experience smoky conditions.
NEW YORK — On Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on the state’s ongoing response to air quality issues caused by the wildfires in eastern Canada.
Forecasts show that the New York City metropolitan area, Long Island and western New York regions will experience air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups, while Central New York, the Lower Valley of the Hudson, the Upper Hudson Valley, and the eastern Lake Ontario regions are experiencing moderate air quality.
“For more than a week, we have been sounding the alarm that air quality issues are serious and pose a threat to the health and well-being of New Yorkers,” said Governor Hochul. “Now, as conditions gradually improve and it becomes safer to be outdoors in many regions of the state, it is critical that New Yorkers continue to be informed and take common-sense safety precautions to protect themselves and their families.”
Carolina Ardila informs us.
According to the NYSDOH Electronic Syndromic Surveillance System, there were 147 asthma-related Emergency Department visits at hospitals in New York, not including New York City, on June 7, 2023, compared to an average of 80 during the five-day period of June 1-5.
Using data reported on “respiratory symptoms” on June 8 from Emergency Medical Services response data, which is a timely source of early warning, the Department of Health observed:
- A 17.8 percent statewide increase in rates per 100,000 on 6/7 compared to the average for the 5-day period from 6/1 to 6/5
- For the New York City metropolitan region, this increase was 28.4 percent and for the Capital Region it was 12.4 percent.
With current levels in affected regions across New York State ranging from yellow to orange, the Department of Health recommends taking the necessary precautions. Steps people should take to reduce risk include:
- When the AQI is greater than 100, New Yorkers in vulnerable groups should avoid outdoor exertion and watch for symptoms when exposed to the outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease (eg, congestive heart failure, history of prior heart attack) or pulmonary disease (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), as well as children under 18 years of age, adults 65 years or older.
- When the AQI is greater than 150, all New Yorkers should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and those in vulnerable groups should avoid outdoor exposure.
- People who are pregnant may also be more vulnerable and have trouble breathing more easily, so staying indoors is recommended when the AQI is above 150.
Because unsanitary air conditions persist in your area, and in the days that follow, the Department of Health recommends that any New Yorker who is experiencing symptoms or has worsening symptoms, including those indicating complications of heart disease or a heart condition, should Consult your personal physician or seek immediate medical help. If you experience symptoms of respiratory irritation while outside, such as coughing, go inside first to find cleaner air.
An air quality health advisory for particulate matter in the Long Island, New York City Metro, and Western New York regions remains in effect at least through the end of the day. Wind-borne particles from wildfires are expected to be on the verge of highest concentration readings in these areas.
The State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and State Health (DOH) issue Air Quality and Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particles, to exceed an Air Quality Index value. (AQI) of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate the levels of different contaminants on a scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health problem. The most recent AQI Forecast can be viewed here.
Yolanda Vásquez with the latest.
The airflow is expected to continue to send the heaviest smoke into southern and western New York, with the southern and western regions of the state continuing to experience smoky conditions. The forecast for tomorrow shows winds shifting to a more northwesterly direction, with the possibility of some smoke entering the state Saturday night.
Tips for New Yorkers to stay safe:
- Limit time outdoors to reduce smoke exposure
- Keep the windows of houses and buildings closed
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Outdoor activity in all groups should be limited or minimized where possible, as people with asthma, allergies, or other conditions may be affected.
- Avoid prolonged exposure
- Individuals with health vulnerabilities, such as cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, as well as those who are pregnant
- For those who must travel outdoors for extended periods, high-quality, well-fitting masks help reduce exposure
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