[ad_1]
What to know
- The New York City area has been engulfed in heavy smoke over the past few days due to wildfires raging in the eastern Canadian provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia.
- On Tuesday, the city issued precautionary recommendations to protect New Yorkers, including limiting outdoor activities and staying indoors whenever possible. The city also recommends wearing high-quality masks.
- The health effects of wildfire smoke are immense. such as the Environmental Protection Agency.
New York Governor Cathy Hochul warned Tuesday. Air quality is expected to reach hazardous levels in the region this week.
A few weeks ago, wildfires in the eastern Canadian provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia left the New York City area engulfed in heavy smoke.
The New York State Department of Environmental Protection has extended a citywide air quality health advisory until midnight Wednesday, advising those with health concerns to avoid outdoor activities as much as possible. Long Island and the Hudson Valley are under an air quality advisory.
With poor air quality, who is at greater health risk from wildfire smoke?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionWildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles that burn trees and plants, buildings and other materials.
The health effects of wildfire smoke are immense. such as the Environmental Protection Agency. From eye and respiratory irritation to serious conditions, including reduced lung function. Exposure can worsen asthma, chronic lung disease and heart failure, leading to premature death. EPA And CDC.
The CDC states that breathing in smoke can have immediate effects on people and can cause:
- cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Scream
- Asthma attacks
- Irritating eyes
- Sore throat
- Nasal discharge
- Irritated sinuses
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Fast heartbeat
Children, pregnant women and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to smoke exposure. Responders are also at high risk, according to the CDC.
On Tuesday, the city issued precautionary recommendations to protect New Yorkers, including limiting outdoor activities and staying indoors whenever possible. The city also recommends wearing high-quality masks.
“We are currently taking precautionary measures to protect the health of New Yorkers until we know better future air quality reports. We recommend that all New Yorkers limit outdoor activity as much as possible. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as heart or respiratory problems, as well as children and the elderly, may be particularly sensitive.” They can and should stay indoors during this time, the city said.
[ad_2]
Source link