New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC):
An Air Quality Advisory has been issued for Wednesday, June 7, 2023 for the following regions:
- Long Island
- New York City Metro
- Eastern Lake Ontario
- Central New York
- Western New York
This advisory is effective 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. The pollutant of concern is particulate matter.
Fine particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g. vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.
When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high.
New York State Air Quality Hotline: (800) 535-1345
EPA Air Quality information: https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course/air-quality-and-smoke
