New York City is currently facing a dual threat from both intense heat and hazardous air quality caused by wildfire smoke originating from Canada and the Great Lakes region. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached Level Red on Thursday, a designation indicating unhealthy air for everyone, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani urging residents to minimize time spent outdoors.
"The combination of dangerous heat and unhealthy air is a serious threat to New Yorkers’ health," Mamdani stated in a press release. The city has made free KN95 masks available at numerous locations, including libraries, police precincts, and firehouses, with information on distribution sites available at on.nyc.gov/freemask.
The AQI measures air cleanliness by considering factors such as ozone and fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which are significantly impacted by wildfire smoke. Dr. Megan Conroy, a pulmonologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explained that AQI levels above 100 can pose risks to individuals with pre-existing health conditions during extended outdoor exposure, while levels exceeding 150 are considered dangerous for all.
As of Thursday afternoon, Midtown Manhattan's AQI was 102, with forecasts predicting a rise to 200 later in the day. Experts note that high temperatures exacerbate air quality issues by trapping particulate matter closer to the ground. "The heat itself can make you breathe faster and make the air thinner," said Dr. Ahmad Abu Homoud, director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Center at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "That can exacerbate the amount of particulate matter that goes into your lungs."
Individuals with asthma, those over 65, pregnant women, and people with underlying heart or lung conditions are at higher risk. Children, whose lungs are still developing, are also particularly vulnerable, and significant exposure could lead to chronic conditions like asthma or bronchitis. For those with respiratory illnesses, even brief exposure to poor air quality can trigger symptoms. Healthy adults may experience temporary effects such as sore throat, itchy eyes, or a cough, with the severity depending on the duration and intensity of outdoor activity.
When outdoor activity is unavoidable, wearing a well-fitting N95 mask is recommended to filter out fine particulate matter. Limiting strenuous exercise outdoors can also reduce the amount of polluted air inhaled. Experts suggest that air quality might be slightly better in the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
Staying indoors with windows closed and air conditioning running can help mitigate exposure, especially if the HVAC system has a good filter. However, indoor air can still be heavily polluted, particularly in smaller spaces or if windows are left open. Activities such as indoor cooking with gas, burning candles, or smoking can further degrade indoor air quality and should be avoided during periods of poor outdoor air quality.
Should individuals experience worsening symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, increased phlegm production, or significant shortness of breath, seeking medical attention is advised. Such symptoms, especially for high-risk groups, may indicate a more serious health complication requiring professional management.