Residents across the Lower Hudson Valley are experiencing hazy skies and reduced air quality as smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning in Canada continues to drift south into New York. State health officials have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), warning that smoke concentrations may reach levels considered unhealthy, particularly for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions.
The smoky conditions are expected to linger for some time, with visibility reduced at times and the familiar smell of smoke noticeable throughout the region. Health officials recommend limiting prolonged outdoor activity, keeping windows closed, and using air conditioning or air filtration if available. Those who must spend extended periods outdoors are encouraged to consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask when air quality deteriorates.
The smoke originates from more than 100 active wildfires across Ontario and other parts of Canada. Weather patterns have carried the fine particles into the Northeast, affecting communities from the Lower Hudson Valley to New York City and much of the Tri-State area. Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality forecasts until conditions improve. (NYS DEC
https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/air-quality-index-forecast-current-observations).
Residents may notice only a smoky haze or reduced visibility, the New York State Department of Health says wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may trigger coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain and worsening symptoms for people with asthma, COPD, heart disease and other respiratory conditions. Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable.
State health officials recommend that residents:
- Limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities, especially if the air appears smoky or hazy.
- Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering homes.
- Run air conditioning on the recirculate setting if available and use portable air cleaners or high-efficiency (HEPA) filters when possible.
- If outdoor activity cannot be avoided, consider wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator, which can help reduce exposure to fine smoke particles.
- Monitor for symptoms such as persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or worsening asthma, and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe.
- Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before spending time outdoors and adjust activities based on current conditions.
- If you are experiencing any significant symptoms or any of the symptoms above you are urged to go to your local Emergency Department or call 911!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me through the Town of Neversink Town Hall (845-985-2262) Town Health Officer Julie K. Starner