A thick, orange haze blanketed New York City on Wednesday, reducing visibility and nearly fading out high-rise buildings causing concerns for public health, alarm for PM 2.5 at “hazardous levels”.
There are currently 415 active wildfires in Canada, with 238 of them considered to be out of control. Since the fire season began, 2,214 blazes have already burned more than 3.3 million hectares. The fires have caused poor air quality and smoke, New York State DEC has issued a health advisory that is in effect until 11:59PM on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
As the New York State Department of Health Advises, the pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter, “that 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”.
On Wednesday early afternoon between 12 pm and 4 pm, PM 2.5 has reached “hazardous” level. Authorities warn that exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. It 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.
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