Smoke from Canadian wildfires has prompted air quality alerts across much of New York, with officials urging residents to monitor local conditions before spending extended time outdoors.
The easiest way to see current conditions is by checking the Air Quality Index (AQI), which is updated throughout the day based on changing weather and pollution levels.
How to check your area’s AQI in New York
Current AQI readings are available at AirNow.gov, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s official air quality website.
Simply enter your ZIP code or city to view the latest air quality conditions and hourly forecasts for your area. AQI values can change throughout the day as smoke shifts with changing winds.
See current air quality conditions where you live now: Check now
What is the Air Quality Index?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded scale developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to show how clean — or polluted — the air is and the potential health risks.
The higher the AQI, the greater the concern for public health.
What do AQI numbers mean?
Why AQI matters during wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, that can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
Health officials recommend checking the AQI before exercising outdoors or spending long periods outside, especially for children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions.
Because smoke conditions can change quickly, officials encourage New Yorkers to monitor AQI readings throughout the day before making outdoor plans.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Is the air safe to breathe? How to check your AQI
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By New York Connect Team, USA Today Network | USA TODAY Network
