Air quality alert extended again in Rochester region. What you should know

Democrat and Chronicle
·3 min read

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has again extended an air quality health advisory for fine particulates.

The alert will remain in effect until at least midnight Friday. The alert comes as air quality levels in the Rochester region are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 155 to 160 for fine particulates. The alert covers Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, northern Cayuga and Oswego counties.

The AQI is a standardized scale developed to simplify the understanding of different pollutants' impact on human health. A higher AQI value indicates a greater health concern. With the current pollution levels elevated, the New York State Department of Health advises individuals to consider reducing strenuous outdoor physical activities to minimize the risk of adverse health effects.

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Those who are particularly susceptible to the effects of increased pollutant levels are the very young and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or heart disease, according to the alert. It is recommended that individuals experiencing symptoms consult their personal physician for guidance. For more information on the Air Quality Health Advisory, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website or call the Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

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Here's a closer look at what's happening and some suggested precautions for dealing with the air quality alert issued for the Rochester region:

Wildfire smoke could impact your health

Smog from the wildfires in Canada have been making their way across the upper United States. The smog obscures some of the Rochester skyline that is normally clearly scene at Cobb Hills Park.
Smog from the wildfires in Canada have been making their way across the upper United States. The smog obscures some of the Rochester skyline that is normally clearly scene at Cobb Hills Park.

Air quality alerts are triggered by a number of factors, including the detection of fine-particle pollution — known as “PM 2.5” — which can irritate the lungs. As smoke spreads from wildfires in Canada, health agencies are recommending steps to stay safe from bad air quality.

It's important to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid stressful activities like exercising outside. Keep the air in your home clean by closing doors and windows and running portable air filters. The small particles in wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. If you have to go outside, consider wearing a mask to help protect your lungs.

Some groups face higher risks from smoky conditions. Children, older adults and people with health conditions like asthma should take extra precautions.

How to protect yourself during air quality alert in Rochester NY

It's a good time to put off that yard work and outdoor exercise. If you go out, consider wearing an N95 mask to reduce your exposure to pollutants. Stay inside, keeping your doors, windows and fireplaces shut. It's recommended that you run the air conditioning on a recirculation setting. On its website, the Environmental Protection Agency offers a number of other recommendations, including:

  • If you have an evaporative cooler, avoid using it because it can bring more smoke inside.

  • If you have a window air conditioner, close the outdoor air damper. If you can’t close it, do not use the window air conditioner. And make sure the seal between the air conditioner and the window is as tight as possible.

  • If you have a portable air conditioner with a single hose (typically vented out of a window), do not use it because it can bring more smoke inside.

  • If you have a portable air conditioner with two hoses, make sure that the seal between the window vent kit and the window is as tight as possible.

  • Use a portable air cleaner or high-efficiency filter to remove fine particles from the air, and run it on the highest fan speed.

  • Avoid activities that create more fine particles indoors: using gas, propane or wood-burning stoves and furnaces; spraying aerosol products; frying or broiling food; burning candles; vacuuming, unless you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

For more, go to epa.gov.

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Associated Press contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Air quality alert in Rochester NY extended again. What you should know