Canadian fires bring heavy pollution to CT, NY

With smoke from more than 400 wildfires in Canada pouring down across the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. as well as into other parts of the country, officials in Connecticut and New York are among those issuing air quality alerts and precautionary advice for residents.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is recommending that people with asthma or heart and lung conditions avoid outdoor exercise today and Thursday.

“The health effects for some people may include chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, eye irritation, chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, and other symptoms,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. ”˜We recommend that you avoid any outdoor exercise today if you have an underlying health condition. Be sure to have your medications readily available and seek medical attention if these issues worsen.”

Commissioner Juthani added that closing windows and doors will help keep smoke out of the home. Children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart and lung conditions are most at risk for experiencing symptoms from elevated air pollution that is expected today. Even healthy adults who spend prolonged periods outdoors working or exercising should minimize their outdoor exertion because poor air quality can impact even those not considered vulnerable.

Because of reduced visibility, flights at LaGuardia Airport were temporarily put on a ground stop today by the Federal Aviation Administration in order to reduce the density of air traffic in the New York Metro area as airplanes operate in instrument meteorological conditions. Parts of 18 states have been put under air quality alerts, with an estimated 98 million people affected to some degree by the smoke from the fires in Canada.

At noon in White Plains the sun could be looked at directly through the haze and appeared to be no brighter than a full moon. The sky was enveloped in a deep yellow-orange haze with ground level visibility reduced.

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection declared today as an Air Quality Action Day because of smoke particles that have filled the air. Westchester County has announced precautionary measures to mitigate potential risks associated with the poor air quality.  New York state has put into effect an Air Quality Health Advisory for Long Island, New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, and the Central New York regions.

Acting New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Given the heightened air pollution levels we are seeing across much of the state, the New York State Department of Health recommends that New Yorkers limit strenuous outdoor activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who are especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, including the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as heart disease or asthma, should avoid spending time outdoors, if possible. Those who experience symptoms or have symptoms that worsen should consider consulting their personal physician.”

Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler recommended that all residents limit any strenuous outdoor activity.

“Infants and people with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions should limit their time outdoors while this haze of fine particulate matter is present in our area,“ Amler said. “With the air quality index at an unhealthy level today, all residents should limit strenuous outdoor activity.”

Westchester County canceled all of its scheduled outdoor activities for the day and advised organizations in the county to do the same. It strongly suggested that all county employees working outdoors wear masks.

Exposure to the smoke and particulates can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. It can bring about 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.

In Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano reported that the Yonkers Public Schools canceled all outdoor activities and events for the day.

“I encourage our residents to stay indoors with the windows closed. If you must be outside, please wear a mask,” Spano said. “Organizations holding outdoor activities are encouraged to monitor the ongoing air quality before proceeding with further events over the next few days.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “New York state experts are monitoring our air quality every day to ensure New Yorkers have the latest information about current air quality in their communities and what they can do to protect themselves. I encourage New Yorkers, especially those sensitive to air quality, to take appropriate steps to help limit risk of exposure.”

Connecticut Bureau Chief Phil Hall contributed to this report.