Canadian wildfire smoke returns to NYC, Tri-State: Air quality alerts and live updates - ABC7 New York

NEW YORK (WABC) -- All of New York State, including New York City, and parts of New Jersey are under an Air Quality Advisory due to the smoke from more than 100 wildfires burning in Canada. Air quality conditions reached "very unhealthy" levels (AQI above 201) on Thursday for New York City and parts of the Tri-State.

Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, or fatigue, and can aggravate heart and lung diseases and other chronic health issues.

Experts suggest reducing or eliminating outdoor activities, wearing an N95 mask if you have to be outside and keeping your indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air purifier or air conditioner. Brittany Bell says unhealthy air quality across will continue for most of the Tri-State area on Friday.

However, winds will help to push in some healthier air during the afternoon from the city and areas to the north. The air quality could still be unhealthy for most of New Jersey south of the city this afternoon. But the forecast for NYC is for a Moderate AQI of 100.

Researchers have found that every few hours spent outside when air quality is in the unhealthy range (AQI above 201), is roughly the equivalent of smoking a cigarette, according to the New York City Office of Emergency Management. New York City's air quality hit at least 270 on Thursday evening.

New York City air quality has reached "very unhealthy" levels. As of 8 p. m. , the air quality had reached 270 in New York City. An AQI level between 201-300 falls under the "very unhealthy" category, meaning the air can pose serious health risks to everyone, not just sensitive groups.

Researchers have found that every few hours spent outside at this level is roughly the equivalent of smoking a cigarette, according to the New York City Office of Emergency Management.

NYCEM has provided measures on what you should do to stay safe: Smoke from the Canadian wildfires suffocated the sun above, nearly wiping away Lady Liberty from view and shrouding the Lower Manhattan skyline in an apocalyptic haze on Thursday evening.

The scene gave some New Yorkers a tinge of nostalgia - a throwback to a time most would rather forget. In Washington Heights, face coverings and masks made a comeback. "You know what I feel like? Like a pandemic. The COVID. We had to wear masks. It's really weird," Carmen Baez said.

"I bought this for COVID and now I'm reusing it for smoke," said Anna Maria, who picked up a mask. The city has been handing out free KN95 masks at places like libraries, transit hubs, hospitals, and police precincts.

Pregnant women, older adults, children, and those with heart or lung conditions are being urged to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. Health experts say it can start with sinus pressure and nasal congestion, but the inflammation can then travel into the lungs, and that's what can cause respiratory complications.