In the second weather advisory of the week, the Westchester County Health Department is warning residents about hazardous air quality due to ongoing wildfires in Canada.
Air quality across the county is expected to reach levels deemed “unhealthy for everyone” Thursday. The health department is encouraging residents to reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors, keep windows closed, and run their air conditioners. The advisory is currently in effect until midnight July 16. The poor air quality is the result of fine particulate matter from Canadian wildfires blanketing the region.
The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation has predicted the Air Quality Index (AQI) will exceed 150 points and possibly reach 200 in Rye and the surrounding area, because of smoke coming in from the north. AQI Health Guidelines label the 151-200 range as “Unhealthy,” stating “Everyone may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.”
More than 830 wildfires were burning in Canada as of Wednesday, according to ABC News, some of the largest of which were ablaze in Ontario.
“This air quality poses a health risk to everyone, not just people with asthma or other underlying health conditions,” said Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler. “We encourage all residents to limit their time outdoors, avoid strenuous physical activity, and keep windows and doors closed whenever possible. If you have air conditioning, use it to help reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke. Even healthy individuals may experience irritation of the eyes, nose, throat or lungs, so taking these simple precautions can help protect your health until air quality improves.”
