Several regions across New York State will experience an Air Quality Health Advisory on Sunday, June 8, as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts into the Northeast. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) jointly issued the advisory due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
The advisory is active from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.
What areas are affected?
The following regions are under the advisory:
- Upper Hudson Valley: Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington
- Adirondacks: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Warren
- Eastern Lake Ontario: Northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, Wayne
- Central New York: Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Yates
- Western New York: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming
What is PM2.5 and why is it dangerous?
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) refers to microscopic particles 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. These particles often originate from combustion sources like vehicle exhaust, power plants, and wildfires.
Exposure to PM2.5 can cause:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath
- Worsening of existing heart or lung conditions
- Greater risk for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and people with asthma or heart disease
How to stay safe during the alert
Officials recommend the following precautions during elevated air quality alerts:
- Limit outdoor activity, especially strenuous exercise
- Stay indoors when possible, particularly if you’re in a high-risk group
- Close windows and use air purifiers if available
- Avoid indoor pollutants like tobacco smoke and candles
If indoor air quality is also poor, consider visiting public buildings with air conditioning and clean air systems.
Where to find updates
- DEC Website: Air quality forecasts and advisories
- DOH Website: Health guidance related to air quality
- Air Quality Hotline: Call 1-800-535-1345 for the latest updates
- DEC Delivers Email Alerts: Sign up to get notifications directly
What happens next?
The DEC continues to monitor air conditions and will issue further advisories if the situation persists or worsens. Residents are encouraged to remain informed and take recommended precautions, especially if new wildfire activity affects air quality in the coming days.
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