New York state officials have extended statewide air quality warnings through at least Thursday.
The problem is again due to the wildfires in eastern Canada and the weather conditions that are blowing plumes of smoke through western New York, the Finger Lakes and much of the upstate.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the unhealthy air is of particular concern for people with a variety of health conditions, including asthma, lung and heart disease and others, who make up about one in six New Yorkers.
“You can really see that there are quite a few people in New York who are at risk,” McDonald said. “These people in particular want to be very careful.” Of course if you have asthma you want to have your inhaler handy, but more importantly if you have asthma you want to say I really shouldn’t be outside when I’m not must.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that 911 cellphone calls will be used to alert New Yorkers if the air quality index exceeds 200, the threshold for “very unhealthy air,” and if that level persists for more than an hour.
Hochul also announced that a third team of rangers will be deployed to Quebec to help with Canada’s firefighting efforts.
dr Monroe County Health Commissioner Michael Mendoza issued a statement advising county residents to “know their risk factors,” and he also recommended that less-intense outdoor activities be used at summer camps, youth sports and similar activities , if the air quality is not healthy.
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