Wildfire smoke: the new health normal?

Conditions darken NY’s skies at noon

By Zoey McGee  |  Manor Ink

Sullivan County, NY – Since the beginning of June, hundreds of rampant wildfires spread across Canada, burning over 20 million acres, re-homing wildlife and forcing more than 150,000 people to evacuate their homes. 

The effects of these fires have impacted those beyond Canada’s border as well. Because of these fires, smoke has been traveling south into the northern United States, causing some of the worst air quality levels in decades.

On June 6 and 7, the skies of New York State looked as though they were the setting of an apocalyptic movie. Though some may have considered this thick cover of smoke and the concurrent orange glow of the sun “cool,” it was much less cool for our immune systems.

On that day in June, New York had the worst air quality in the world, with PM2.5 levels reaching up to an air quality index of 200, which is four times higher than what is considered safe air quality levels. 

The PM2.5 designation is fine particulate matter that is 2.5 microns in diameter or below. These particles can be comprised of toxic substances such as nitrates, sulfates, ammonia, sodium chloride, mineral dust and black carbon. 

Exposure to significant amounts of these particles can cause short-term health effects like coughing, sneezing, runny noses, irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, and shortness of breath. But those with preexisting medical conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, may suffer much worse affects. No matter the severity of how one’s body reacts to the smoke, however, it is suggested that you not put yourself in a situation where you are breathing too much of it.

Authorities issued many advisories and warnings, encouraging people – especially those with medical risks – to limit their outdoor exposure and avoid strenuous activities during these poor air quality events. 

Though the air quality hasn’t reached the hazardous levels it did in June, there have been several times in the past two months when the air quality has been unhealthy, and it very possibly will be again as there are still many wildfires burning in Canada. 

Locally, the programs and schedules of some of our public schools were altered, depending on the air quality each day. “The Canadian wildfires had an impact on our school day,” said Chris Hubert, elementary principal of Livingston Manor Central School. “The fires caused air quality to deteriorate in our area, making it unsafe for students to spend extended periods of time outdoors. We had to postpone our elementary grades’ field day to the following week due to the poor air quality. We also had to adjust our outside recess to the air quality conditions, which limited the amount of time that students could spend outdoors. We are working hard to keep them safe and healthy, and we appreciated the support of our community during this adjustment.”

“The wildfires led us to need to monitor the weather and air quality daily,” agreed Dave Eggleton, director of physical education. “We observed whether it was recommended to practice outdoors, stay inside, provide extra rest, etc.”