The latest information from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation shows today’s (June 7th) air quality is expected to be worse than yesterday’s (June 6th) for the Central New York Region.
Today’s predictions for Wednesday show an air quality index estimate of at least 170 fine particles. Yesterday’s levels stood at a minimum of 155 fine particles. For air quality to be considered “Good” it must be within the range of 0-50 fine particles.
The cause of the significant pollution for our area is due to the ongoing wildfires in Northern Canada, which have burned over 6 million acres. Residents will smell a campfire like smell throughout and see an orange haze as a result.
The pollutant of concern that brought the advisory is Fine Particulate Matter. The matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. The exposure to these may cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
It can also cause coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure for those who have asthma and heart disease may experience worsened conditions. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to the current risk.
The best thing to do today (June 7th) is to remain indoors with windows and doors shut.
The DEC provides a regionalized mapping of the state of estimated air quality, found HERE.
