Smoke and haze from Canadian wildfires blanket Hudson Valley again
The DEC has issued an air quality advisory for the Hudson Valley. New Yorkers are being urged to stay indoors, especially those with respiratory issues.
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The New York state Department of Environmental Conservation officials say the state is experiencing the worst air quality since 2002 due to wildfires in Canada.
There are multiple wildfires raging in Quebec and Nova Scotia, affecting over 9.3 million acres. The smoke is impacting millions of Americans across the northeast, and as far down as the Carolinas.
The DEC has issued an air quality advisory for the Hudson Valley. New Yorkers are being urged to stay indoors, especially those with respiratory issues.
"It is a very dry year, a warm year and there are concerns that these conditions will persist," said Basil Seggos, New York’s DEC commissioner.
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Those with sensitive respiratory issues will be impacted the most and may find it difficult to breathe at times. Those without pre-existing health conditions may also notice watery eyes and a heaviness to the air.
Dr. Paul Pechman, a pulmonologist at Scarsdale Medical Group, told News 12 that many individuals have been “experiencing symptoms including shortness of breath” and “irritation of eyes.”
Doctors say not only should you stay inside but keep the doors and windows closed, keep that smoky air out, maybe even put on the air conditioner for a bit. If you're really struggling with breathing, give your doctor a call.
Rockland County Director of Fire and Emergency Services Chris Kear says his department has received dozens of calls about odors of smoke or reports of outside smoke. In a statement, Kear says “Rockland County, and our entire region will be experiencing another day of poor air quality. Conditions will ease up leading into Thursday. It is recommended that if you have asthma, are sensitive to pollutants or experience shortness of breath, you should try and avoid any outside activities. Exposure and also cause irritation to eyes, nose and throat. Shortness of breath, sneezing, coughing and runny nose is common. In addition, please keep your windows closed at home or while traveling in your vehicle.”
