The air quality health advisory put in effect on Wednesday for New York State has been extended through midnight tomorrow, the state Department of Environmental Conservation announced this afternoon.
Long Island’s air quality advisory is forecasted to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including those with cardiovascular problems, lung problems, children under 18, adults over 64 and pregnant people. Individuals in those groups are advised by the state health department and Department of Environmental Conservation to avoid exertion outdoors, watch for symptoms and consider wearing an N95 mask when outdoors.
Smoke from wildfires in Canada are blanketing the state and elevating pollution levels from fine particulate matter, which can cause short-term health effects for everyone, including irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath.
There may be times during the day when air quality is OK for outdoor activities. The public can visit Airnow.gov to check the air quality of their specific location.
Smoke from wildfires in Canada prompted air quality health advisories on four consecutive days earlier this month, although the air quality then for Long Island and in New York City was one level worse than the level of air quality currently forecasted for the regions.
According to air quality maps, areas in western New York are experiencing the worst air quality in the state. The air in those areas is considered unhealthy for all groups.
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