The rising sun in North Greenbush, N.Y., is dimmed by the impact of poor air quality resulting from Canadian wildfires, as a new air quality health advisory goes into effect. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the 24-hour advisory for Central New York and the Adirondacks, which began at midnight on Tuesday. This advisory comes in response to fine particles from smoke that have spread into the region due to the fires.
By 4:30 p.m. on Monday, parts of western New York had already entered the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category according to the DEC’s air quality index tracker. The advisory affects 28 counties across the northern, central, and western parts of the state, including Warren County, which is adjacent to the Capital Region.
Over the past several years, the decline in air quality due to wildfires in Canada has become an increasingly common concern during the summer months in New York. The DEC emphasizes that fine particulates, which are tiny particles or droplets smaller than 2.5 microns, can pose significant health risks, particularly for sensitive individuals and those with preexisting health conditions.
Exposure to these fine particles can lead to short-term health effects like eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Additionally, individuals with conditions such as asthma and heart disease may experience worsened symptoms.
Awareness and advisory measures issued by the DEC underscore the importance of monitoring air quality and protecting public health during wildfire seasons. It is essential for residents to stay informed about air quality levels, particularly those who belong to sensitive groups, ensuring appropriate precautions are taken to mitigate health risks.