06/08/2023
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Air quality today (Thursday, June 8) will be extremely bad because of smoke from Canadian wildfires. This is like a storm of smoke hitting our entire region.
The smoke in the air contains tiny particles that can damage your lungs. Some particles are big enough (or appear dark enough) to see — for example, you can often see smoke in the air. Others are so small that you can’t see or smell them in the air. Coarse (bigger) particles can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. Fine (smaller) particles are more dangerous because they can get into the deep parts of your lungs — or even into your blood.
• Infants and children, older adults, pregnant people, people who smoke and anyone with heart or lung issues (like asthma, COPD, heart failure) should stay indoors until the air gets clearer.
• Keep doors and windows closed. Limit ways that outside air can get inside your home.
• Limit time spent outdoors. Postpone any outdoor activities, including sports or hard physical work. They can wait.
• Check on neighbors and family members regularly, especially if they have young children, older adults or people with heart or lung issues in their household.
• Tight-fitting N95-style masks can block some of the smoke and pollution. Avoiding outdoor air is the best way to reduce your risk of health problems.
The Erie County Department of Health is posting regular updates:
Facebook.com/ECDOH
Twitter.com/ECDOH
Airnow.gov has regular air quality updates; so do the National Weather Service – Buffalo and the New York State Department of Conversation.
Firesmoke.ca has maps of smoke forecasts and wildfire locations.
More info: https://www3.erie.gov/health/air-quality
