Air quality alert issued today as wildfire smoke blankets Long Island
The air quality alert remains in effect until midnight tonight.
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All of Long Island remains under an air quality alert today because of intense smoke blanketing the area from Canadian wildfires.
The issue began yesterday as the smoke made its way East throughout the afternoon and evening.
You can expect to see hazy and smoke-filled skies across the island again today.
The wildfires are bringing smoke-related pollution, which can make it difficult to breathe, burn your eyes and irritate your nose and throat.
Outdoor air quality levels are expected to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of Fine Particulates, according to the National Weather Service. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern.
The New York State Department of Health recommends people limit outdoor activities, wear N95 masks if necessary and close their home's windows to keep bad air out.
Young kids and those with preexisting respiratory problems like asthma or heart disease are at a greater risk of adverse effects.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said her office is continuing to monitor the air quality and is distributing 100,000 N95 masks statewide.
"We continue to coordinate with local counties to monitor conditions and distribute masks to help protect vulnerable populations," she said.
The air quality alert remains in effect until midnight tonight.
Dr. Chid Iloabachie, Associate Chair of Emergency Medicine at North Shore University Hospital joins us to discuss air quality concerns amid the haze/smoke.
