Wildfire smoke is causing air pollution concerns in New York, prompting authorities to issue a warning.
On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, an Air Quality Health Advisory was issued in New York, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) values exceeding 100, indicating air "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups." This advisory covers many areas in upstate and central New York, including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton, Albany, and Poughkeepsie.
During this advisory, sensitive individuals, such as young children, seniors, people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions, are urged to minimize outdoor exertion and follow public health recommendations due to elevated PM2.5 and ozone levels. The smoke responsible for the increased PM2.5 fine particulates in the Northeast is from wildfires burning in central Canada.
The advisory suggests avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, especially in the afternoon and evening hours when pollution levels may peak. If you have respiratory sensitivities, the Department recommends wearing N95 masks outdoors. Small particles from the wildfire smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing health issues.
In addition to wildfire smoke, elevated levels of ozone, a secondary pollutant formed in summer heat by chemical reactions involving automobile exhaust and other emissions, have contributed to the poor air quality. Regional air pollution transport from out-of-state sources and summer conditions promoting ground-level ozone formation have also played a role.
To stay informed about local air quality updates, residents are encouraged to monitor trusted sources such as the DEC’s website, EPA’s AirNow app, or other official alerts. If you experience symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness, contact your healthcare provider immediately. To check local AQI levels, use AirNow.gov or on.ny.gov/nyaqi.
For the latest news updates, the FingerLakes1.com app is available for iOS devices. Founded in 1998, FingerLakes1.com is the region's leading all-digital news publication, keeping residents informed for more than two decades.
The Department also suggests keeping windows closed and running air purifiers indoors if available. It is important to take these precautions to protect your health during this Air Quality Health Advisory.
a) To safeguard mental health during this Air Quality Health Advisory, it's essential to stay updated on local air quality changes, seek advice from healthcare providers if experiencing respiratory symptoms, and take necessary precautions as suggested by environmental-science authorities.
b) In line with the Air Quality Health Advisory, the Department encourages responsible citizens to prioritize their physical health-and-wellness by limiting outdoor activities, following public health recommendations, and considering the potential impact of climate-change factors like wildfire smoke and ozone on regional air quality.
