MAYVILLE, N.Y. – The poor air quality due to smoke from Canada's wildfires has returned into the northeast, causing unhealthy air. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Albany has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Chautauqua County for Fine Particulates.
Air quality levels in outdoor air are expected to be greater than an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 151 for Fine Particulates. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. Visit https://www.airnow.gov/state/?name=new-york and type in your zip code for current AQI conditions in your area.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. this morning the AQI in most of Chautauqua County was at 175. It is almost impossible to predict what the AQI measurement will be on an hour to hour basis, therefore it is recommended to monitor air quality regularly for the most accurate, up to date information.
The Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) strongly recommends avoiding outdoor strenuous activities if there is a smell of smoke or haze in the air and/or an AQI greater than 150.
“We recommend postponing youth sporting events when the AQI is greater than 150.” states Dr. Michael Faulk, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Interim Public Health Director. “If there is a smell of smoke or visible haze in the air, there is a good chance the AQI is greater than 150. Although these levels are unlikely to cause immediate or life threatening symptoms, there may be individuals who could experience worsening symptoms of their underlying respiratory disease. Additionally, individuals may experience mild throat irritation, cough, or nasal congestion.”
While the CCHD recommendations are focusing on staying indoors as conditions persist or worsen, they also understand there may be times when individuals may need to leave their homes for appointments or grocery shopping during times when there is a smell of smoke in the air, hazy conditions or an AQI greater than 150.
Wearing a KN95 or N95 mask during these conditions may help filter the fine particulate matter and prevent respiratory symptoms. They would especially recommend a mask while outdoors for those with underlying respiratory disease, elderly, and pregnant women as these conditions persist.
The Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services and CCHD have KN95 and N95 masks available for distribution. Residents may pick up masks by one of the following means:
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Individuals, families, small businesses and organizations:
Chautauqua County Health Department HRC Building, 4th Floor 7 North Erie Street Mayville, NY 14757 716-753-4312
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Large businesses, municipalities and other organizations:
Call Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services at 716-753-4341 or email Guttman@chautcofire.org to make arrangements for pick up.
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Residents are encouraged to consult with their family physician for specific health concerns and visit https://www.airnow.gov/state/?name=new-york and type in your zip code for current AQI conditions in your area. Visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s website www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8406.html and the New York State Department of Health’s website www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/smoke_from_fire.htm for more information. For the most up to date local information regarding the Advisory follow the news page of the Chautauqua County Government’s website https://chqgov.com/news.
