New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Allegany County is listed at 180, which is considered unhealthy. The contaminant of concern is smoke and particles due to wildfires in Canada.

How does this effect my health?

Exposure to fine particles can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Scientific studies suggest that long term exposure to fine particulate matter may be associated with increased rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, and increased mortality from lung cancer and heart disease. People with breathing and heart problems, children, and the elderly may be particularly sensitive.

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Keep outdoor activities short.
• Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
• Wearing a well fitted N95 or KN95 mask offers the best protection.  Surgical masks may be used as well for use in outdoor activities.
  
  Everyone else – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:

• Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.

To view the current Air Quality in your Zip Code please visitwww.airnow.gov for an interactive map.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at:  585-268-9250.