Niagara County Residents Urged to Take Precautions as Unhealthy Air Quality Continues

Today’s weather forecast predicts an unhealthy air quality for Western New York and Niagara County.  The Niagara County Department of Health (NCDOH) recommends that all residents take precautions to reduce health risks associated with the ongoing unhealthy air quality.  Residents should remain inside as much as possible, with doors and windows closed and use an air purifier or air conditioner with a high efficiency filter.

When the air quality index is unhealthy, people with heart or lung disease (asthma, COPD), older adults, children and teenagers, pregnant women, and outdoor workers are especially vulnerable.  These individuals should avoid outdoor physical activity, sports, and work.  Employers with outdoor workers should shift activities indoors if possible.  For all residents, limiting the amount of time spent outdoors may reduce risks and prevent symptoms associated with unhealthy air quality like wheezing and shortness of breath, coughing, eye, nose, and throat irritation, sneezing and fatigue. Breathing air polluted with fine particulate matter places strain on the heart and can quickly make heart conditions worse.

For those who must travel or work outdoors for an extended period of time, properly-fitted, high-quality mask (N-95) may help reduce exposure. 

For more information:

• Information on Air Quality Index (NYS Department of Environmental Conservation)
• Today’s Air Quality Index (AQI) Forecast (NYS Department of Environmental Conservation)
• Airnow.gov – visual maps of current air quality/particulate counts based on zip code, city, state.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Particulate Pollution
• New York State Department of Health Advises New Yorkers to Take Precautions as Unhealthy Air Quality Continues to Impact Much of the State