Canadian wildfire smoke is expected to push air pollution above health advisory levels across the Finger Lakes and much of western and central New York on Wednesday.
The state air quality health advisory will run from midnight through 11:59 p.m. July 15 and covers Cayuga, Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates counties, among other areas.
The state departments of Environmental Conservation and Health issued the advisory Tuesday for fine particulate matter. Officials said visible smoke, hazy skies and temporary spikes in smoke-related pollution are also possible across New York.
The advisory includes the Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York and Western New York regions. All of Cayuga County is covered, with its northern portion included in the Eastern Lake Ontario region and its southern portion included in Central New York.
State officials issue an advisory when meteorologists forecast that ozone or fine particulate pollution will exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100. Higher index values indicate greater potential health concern.
Fine particulate matter consists of airborne particles or liquid droplets that are 2.5 microns or smaller. The particles can come from fires, vehicle exhaust, power plants and chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and cause coughing, sneezing, a runny nose or shortness of breath. It can also worsen asthma and heart disease, with children, older adults and people with heart or breathing problems considered especially sensitive.
Officials recommend going indoors when outdoor pollution is elevated and avoiding strenuous activity where particle concentrations are high. Indoor exposure may remain elevated when tobacco smoke, candles, incense or cooking fumes are present, so residents should also reduce those sources when possible.
Current conditions are available through state air quality alerts and the Department of Environmental Conservation's hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
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