Adams stated that the air quality index reached 218 by 10 pm on Tuesday night — “a level of very poor health” — and “sent shockwaves throughout the county.”
Iscol stated that an AQI rating of over 100 is “very normal” at this time of year. However, it becomes concerning when it exceeds a threshold level of 150.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that Brooklyn recorded 413 by Wednesday and Queens was not far behind at 407. Kathy Hochul told a news briefing that.
Hochul called the situation a “health and environmental crisis”, and encouraged New Yorkers not to spend too much time outside.
Nancy Liang said that she wore a mask in Hoboken as a precaution. She stated: “The sun orange when I woke today.” I didn’t like breathing in air that was orange.
Adams called on New Yorkers and other vulnerable individuals to take precautions. The city recommended that they limit their outdoor time, use air purifiers, and close all windows and doors.
He said that if you are older, have breathing or heart problems or have any other health issues you should stay inside or wear a face mask.
All outside events in New York City were cancelled Wednesday because students were at school. Staff are scheduled to be absent on Thursday.
Air quality can be harmful to sensitive groups at 150-200.
The National Weather Service reported Wednesday that the winds may shift to the east after Thursday and push smoke further west in the interior Northeast on Friday.
The New York City office of the agency said that a low-pressure system near Maine will likely continue to direct smoke from the Quebec wildfires towards the northeastern U.S. over the weekend.
Low visibility and other conditions on Wednesday caused delays at the three major airports serving New York City. These include LaGuardia Airport, JFK Airport and Newark.
New York State Government announced a plan for the distribution of 1 million N95 masks free, with 400,000 being distributed in public transportation and at state-owned facilities around New York City.
Dr. Ashwin Vaan, New York City’s health commissioner, stated Wednesday that there has not been an increase in emergency room visits as a result of complications due to the air quality events.
He said, “That could be changing and we are monitoring it closely.”
