On an average day, New York has an air quality index of 30, considered “good.” Because of current wild fires in Canada, the score has risen to 160 and above, in the “unhealthy” range.
You have probably noticed the hazy skies throughout the New York City area. Health experts say everyone should pay close attention. That poor-quality air is unhealthy, especially for vulnerable people, including those with asthma or heart conditions, as well as younger kids and older adults.
The poor air quality, the result of wildfires in Canada, is expected to persist for several days, and it’s something you can actually feel. Experts say you should consider limiting your time outside, especially if you are exercising or doing strenuous tasks; keeping your windows closed at home; and wearing a high-quality N95 or KN95 mask if you need to go out. Those most at risk should stay indoors.
“Many people may have noticed the hazy conditions, but not realized they should be concerned—especially younger people and the elderly, who are at greater risk,” says Linda Rogers, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “I think we all should be looking out for the most vulnerable; they are the ones that are at most risk right now. But this has crossed a threshold where the public will feel this.”
In this Q&A, Dr. Rogers, who is also Director of the Adult Asthma Program, offers a number of other tips, including what type of mask to consider wearing, whether to turn on your air conditioner, and who is most at risk.
How bad has the air quality been in New York City because of these wildfires?
Our air quality has been in a zone that’s considered dangerous to health, and not just dangerous to sensitive populations. We crossed the threshold where there may be some health effects noticed in otherwise healthy individuals, and it’s something that’s probably hazardous to people who are either elderly, very young, or have underlying heart or lung disease, or other sort of significant health conditions. It’s not something people are normally aware of, though most people going outside will realize that something is up.
Linda Rogers, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine)
How can I tell what the air quality is like in my neighborhood right now?
A good way to see what the air quality is like right now, where you live, is the website AirNow.gov. This site offers a composite score for what we call the big five pollutants—ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. A good score is less than 50. On an average day in New York, we are around 30; we have pretty good air quality. Once it starts getting up over 50, there may be risks for sensitive people. During August, this score can reach 100, due to a combination of heat, humidity, and pollution. Recently the score has risen to 160 due to the wildfires. Any of the common weather apps people have on their phones are also a good source of this information.
What does it mean when the air quality reaches the unhealthy levels we have seen lately?
That’s the red zone. That’s where even healthy members of the general public are going to feel it. The effects on the general public may be mild; it may just be a matter of feeling irritation in your nose or throat. But for really sensitive groups, this is a level that could trigger asthma attacks or flare-ups of other lung diseases, and pose a risk for those already at risk for heart attacks and strokes.
What safety precautions should I take when air quality is at an unhealthy level?
The best thing to do is stay inside with the windows closed. If you have to go outside, make it as short as possible. I don’t think anybody should exercise outdoors while the air quality is at these levels. When you’re exercising, you are taking in more of these contaminants. It depends on your personal circumstances, but when levels are between 100 and 150, you may want to consider limiting outdoor exercise, especially kids.
Should I wear a mask?
You should consider wearing a high-quality mask, such as an N95 or KN95 mask. Surgical-style masks will not be helpful. Those masks offer at least partial protection from viruses transmitted by droplets, but they do not protect you from the extremely small particles that are being produced by these wildfires. And even the N95 and KN95 masks cannot protect you from the gases, such as carbon monoxide, that are being produced by the fires.
What about working outside?
I think it depends on your underlying health, your age, your circumstances, what the work involves, and what the air quality is in the area that you’re working. If you have to work outside, a high-quality N95 mask will be a great idea if it’s possible for you.
Does it help to use my air conditioner?
Air conditioners vary tremendously in terms of how old they are, how they’re built, and what kind of filters they have in their use. Closing your windows and using an air conditioner is better than having the windows open. Ideally, your air conditioning system has a high-efficiency filter. Air purifiers can also help.
Who is most at risk?
Young kids are more at risk because they tend to breathe at faster rates with higher volumes. When there’s an elevated pollutant like this, they’re generally getting more exposure. The elderly are at higher risk for heart and lung disease and have other underlying health conditions. Those with lung diseases, notably asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD), are often sensitive to environmental triggers like this, or changes in weather, temperatures, and humidity. Many of those with asthma, for example, often reach out to their doctors in advance to make sure they have emergency medication on hand. But it can be different for those with heart conditions.
What should people with heart disease know about this?
People with heart disease may not be aware that they are at increased risk, but these high levels of pollutants have been linked to visits to emergency rooms with cardiovascular conditions. People who are at risk may want to consider staying indoors to the extent possible. It’s also important to note that there may be a lag in the onset of symptoms. It may take a while for the contaminants you are breathing in to have an effect on your blood vessels. That is why we may sometimes see a lag in visits to the emergency department. The health effects can persist and escalate from 24 to 48 hours after the air quality levels are at their worst.
What are the signs that the air quality is affecting a typical, healthy person?
When the air quality index gets above 100, and then over 150, as it has recently done, you’re going to feel throat irritation, nasal irritation, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat—almost cold-like symptoms except without a fever. Some people may feel chest discomfort and headaches. These aren’t particularly dangerous. But for those with underlying conditions, such as lung disease and allergies, they can cause more severe debilitating symptoms. The air is unhealthy for everyone, but some groups are at risk of significant health effects.
Details of the air quality index from the federal government’s AirNow.gov site.