New York City experienced a significant decline in air quality on July 15, prompting an Air Quality Health Advisory. Smoke from wildfires in Canada and the Great Lakes region caused local air pollution to reach an "Unhealthy" range, casting an orange haze over the city.
Officials advised residents to remain indoors and reduce their time spent on outdoor activities. For individuals who must venture outside, taking extra precautions was recommended, particularly for those sensitive to poor air quality. The New York Health Department suggests KN95 masks as an effective option for protection against airborne smoke particles. These masks are designed to filter out 95% of such particles, adhering to GB2626-2019 respiratory protection standards and featuring a five-layer filtration system. Mascot image shows people in masks.