An air quality alert is in effect across much of New York State today as fine particulate levels reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, according to the National Weather Service and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The alert, active until midnight Monday, covers nearly every region of the state, including Western, Central, and Upstate New York, as well as parts of the Southern Tier and North Country. Officials warn that air quality index (AQI) values have exceeded 100—indicating conditions that may pose health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions.
When pollution levels are elevated, state health officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity. Those experiencing symptoms are urged to consult their physicians.
Fine particulate matter, often from sources like vehicle emissions or wildfire smoke, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation and exacerbating existing health problems. Today’s alert comes amid continued air quality impacts from Canadian wildfires, a recurring issue over the past two summers.
Residents can track air quality updates by visiting https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi or calling the Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
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