How bad, what we know, how to stay safe

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Toxic smoke from wildfires prompted a health advisory on air quality in the New York City metro region on Saturday. This affects millions of people and underlines the increasing threat to public health from climate change.

From mild coughing and eye irritation to increased risks of heart attack and decreased lung function, a range of health threats exist for New Yorkers due to the dangerously poor air quality caused by wildfires.

The severity of health risks varies based on several factors – such as the size of forest fires and wind speeds, as well as the age and health status of those affected – making monitoring latest updates from authorities crucial.

The recent health alert, which was lifted on Sunday, applied to children, the elderly and others who were at increased risk from inhaling wildfire smoke. It came as firefighters battled wildfires raging along the New Jersey-New York border, including the The Jennings Creek Wildfire that remained largely unchecked on Tuesday.

What you need to know about wildfire air quality in NJ-NY

Authorities issued the health advisory on air quality on Saturday as firefighters battled several wildfires in New Jersey and New York. Thousands of acres continued to burn across the New York City metro region on Tuesday as health officials continued to monitor air quality.

Health risks: Is breathing wildfire smoke the same as smoking a pack of cigarettes? In some ways it’s even worse

Saturday’s health alert affected millions of people, including in Rockland and Westchester counties, as pollution levels, either from ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), exceeded an air quality index value of 100.

That level of air pollution poses health risks to children, teenagers, the elderly, pregnant people, people with lung or heart disease and asthma. It also applies to people who exercise or work outside the home, and to people in disadvantaged communities who experience this air pollution risks before departure.

Everyone in these sensitive groups should reduce outdoor activities during this alert level, while the general public should limit outdoor exposure as air quality threats worsen.

How to Reduce the Health Risks of Wildfires in NJ-NY

Tips for mitigating wildfire health risks from state health officials include:

  • Be aware of your air: Before you take the kids to work, play sports or go to the park, check theAQI forecast and adjust your outdoor activities when air quality is poor. They can also call the state air quality hotline: (800) 535-1345.
  • Stay indoors: Keep windows and doors closed to keep indoor air clean when the AQI forecast reaches unhealthy levels. If smoke is getting in, buy or make your own portable air purifierreduce indoor particlesor use HEPA air filters in your HVAC system.
  • Wear a mask: If you must go outside, a properly worn N95 mask can filter out large smoke particles, reducing the amount of unsafe particles you inhale.
  • Take it easy: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities that can make you breathe harder.
  • Protect the vulnerable: Caregivers of children, the elderly, and people with asthma should be especially careful. When the AQI is elevated, be sure to limit their outdoor activities to keep them safe.
  • Care for four-legged friends: Keep outdoor excursions with your pet short and leisurely to protect him from the same nose, eye, throat and lung irritation that humans experience.

How dangerous is wildfire smoke in NJ-NY?

The wildfires on the New York-New Jersey border brought back memories of the summer of 2023, when waves of wildfires from Canada blanketed the region in hazy smog.

The health threats from Canada’s record-breaking 2023 wildfire season, which burned millions of acres, served as a wake-up call for New Yorkers unaccustomed to the climate change risk all too familiar to those on the west coast.

Wildfires in NY-NJ: Can I use my air conditioning? Is the air much better inside than outside?

In New York, asthma-related emergency room visits increased 82% statewide at some point in June 2023, compared to historical averages. These figures have almost tripled among older children and young adults.

“Wildfires are likely to become more common as a result of climate change, so it is critical that we investigate the public health impacts and risks associated with these events,” said Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald at the time.

How unhealthy is wildfire smoke?

The health risks of breathing wildfire smoke vary based in part on the concentration of small pollutant particles circulating in the air and the duration of exposure.

For example, a growing body of research shows that people suffered permanently reduced lung function after being exposed to high levels of wildfire smoke for extended periods of time over a few days.

Some studies also show links between air pollution from wildfires and heart attacks or strokes, because the tiny particles enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation when the body’s immune system fights back.

Is the air much better inside than outside during forest fires?

Authorities on Saturday urged vulnerable New Yorkers to stay indoors to limit health risks from dangerously poor outdoor air quality due to the wildfires raging near the New York City metro area.

But many factors determine how safe indoor air remains amid wildfire air pollution, including the quality of air conditioning units, filtration systems and the age of buildings. say experts.

Can you turn on the heat and air conditioning during wildfire air pollution?

Yes, but there are many factors to consider to maximize your air quality, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Among them:

  • If you have a central HVAC system, see if it has a fresh air intake. If this is the case, find out how to close it or put the system in recirculation mode. Make sure the HVAC filter is in good condition, fits properly in the filter slot, and is replaced as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Consider upgrading to one Minimum efficiency reporting valuesor MERV, 13 filtration or higher, if your system can handle it.
  • If you have an evaporative cooler, do not use it in smoky conditions as this may result in more smoke being brought in. Consider other cooling options, such as fans or window air conditioners.

For more details, visit the EPA websiteat EPA.gov

— David Robinson is a veteran health reporter for the USA TODAY Network’s New York State Team. Reach him out [email protected].