Wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires has caused poor air quality in parts of the United States – including New York City. The smoke has prompted health alerts in many areas and led to a downgrade in air quality levels in Onondaga County, New York. The situation has also led to concerns about the impact on air quality in York County, Pennsylvania, with residents being warned of a “Code Orange” day.
Meanwhile, in New York City, the smoke has been identified as a new climate hazard, with health officials warning of the potential risks to public health. In Syracuse, air quality has been downgraded to “very unhealthy” levels.
There are concerns that the smoke could have a long-term impact on public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The situation underscores the need for greater efforts to address climate change and prevent the spread of wildfires.