Air quality health advisory issued for Orleans, all of NYS today

For the third straight, an air quality health advisory has been issued today for Orleans County due to the Canadian wildfires. The advisory includes all of New York State.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health say the air quality is forecasted to be “Unhealthy” for Western and Central New York and Eastern Lake Ontario regions. At this level, everyone may begin to experience health effects, members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects, the DEC said in a news release.

Air quality is forecasted to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” today in the remaining regions of the state. At this level, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.

When pollution levels are elevated, the Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease, the Department of Health said.