Air quality advisory in effect for Orleans, Genesee on Wednesday

Photo by Tom Rivers: The sun sets after a hazy day locally due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. This photo was taken from the courthouse lawn in Albion.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The New York State Department of Environmental Conversation (DEC) has issued an air quality health advisory for Wednesday for Genesee and Orleans counties due to fine particulate matter. According to the Air Quality Index, the outdoor air quality for both counties may be near 123. The higher the air quality index value is, the greater the health concern.

The New York State Department of Health recommends that when air quality conditions are elevated, individuals should limit their time outdoors and avoid outdoor strenuous physical activity to reduce adverse health effects. Children, older adults and people with respiratory health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and asthma should especially be careful while the air quality conditions are elevated.

Individuals may want to keep their windows and doors closed to limit the amount of outside air entering their home. Anyone with symptoms or related health concerns, may want to contact their healthcare provider.

To monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) Forecast, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation website (click here). Residents can also call the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345 for more information.

To access the Fire and Smoke Map, visit the AirNow website.