Wafts of smoke from Canadian wildfires have resulted in hazy skies and poor air quality across areas of America. And as of today, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the NY metro area.
What is causing the smoke & poor air quality?
The fires have been wreaking havoc on areas of Quebec and Nova Scotia, causing thousands of Canadians to evacuate, reports NPR. Nasa Earth Observatory explains that this is an “unusually intense” beginning to wildfire season in Canada. According to officials, over 6.7 million acres of Canadian territory have already burned this year.
The heavy smoke from the fires has been drifting south and spreading across the States, covering areas of the Northeast and even reaching to the Midwest.
Why is there an Air Quality Health Advisory?
The Air Quality Advisory for NYC is in effect through midnight tonight as the DEC meteorologists expect pollution levels to surpass an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. According to the DEC, NYC had an AQI of 155 this morning, which fits into the unhealthy AQI category (151-200 AQI).
What health effects may be caused from the smoke?
At this state, people may begin to experience health effects from the poor air quality, warns the NWS. The DEC describes possible short-term health effects such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and a shortness of breath.
What should you do to reduce pollution and save energy?
New Yorkers are advised to use mass transit instead of driving, turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used, limit the use of household appliances, use fans to circulate air, among other efforts that can be read on the DEC website.
Stay safe New York!