New York Air Pollution: Toxic Wildfire Smug Enters 2nd Day

The current New York air pollution has become unprecedented in terms of how long it has lasted, with New York City still experiencing an orange haze for the second consecutive day. The hazardous air quality has started to raise health concerns for millions of residents. New York City is currently grappling with the severe air pollution problem, as it is enveloped in a thick cloud of smog reminiscent of the landscape on Mars.

Residents have been advised to remain indoors due to the presence of toxic particles that have blanketed the city. The orange haze has obstructed much of the city’s skyline, creating an almost apocalyptic scene. Observers have likened the fog to something out of a science fiction movie, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Jerrymusa.com reports that the smog plaguing New York City is a result of wildfires in Canada, which have released copious amounts of smoke and pollutants into the air. As a consequence, authorities are urging people to limit their time outdoors and wear masks if they have no choice but to venture outside. Numerous individuals have reported difficulty breathing due to the smog’s suffocating effects. This hazardous condition has led to the extension of the “Code Red” air quality alert for the third consecutive day, as forecasts indicate that the smoky winds will persist and continue to push the hazardous air southward.

To address the situation and protect the health of New Yorkers, the city’s Health Commissioner, Ashwin Vasan, has issued escalated recommendations. These recommendations strongly advise residents to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and engage in outdoor activities only if absolutely necessary. Individuals who are more vulnerable, such as those with respiratory or heart conditions, older adults, and young children, are particularly urged to follow these guidelines.

Authorities Stock-Up On Face-Masks

In an effort to provide relief and safeguard the population, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the availability of approximately one million N95 masks for residents. These masks can be obtained at designated locations throughout the city, such as transportation hubs and parks. The New York Fire Department is also distributing masks, with a limit of two masks per person.

The deteriorating air quality has had significant implications for daily life in New York City. Flights have been delayed or disrupted, outdoor activities have been canceled, and even Major League Baseball games have been postponed. The adverse health effects of prolonged exposure to such poor air quality are a growing concern, prompting officials to take preventive measures.

New York Air Pollution: Eastern US, Canada Also Affected

The smog crisis is not limited to New York City alone but has affected a large portion of the eastern United States and Canada. Code red alerts have been issued in various regions, indicating hazardous and extremely unhealthy conditions. The haze from the wildfires has disrupted normal activities, leading to the resumption of mask-wearing and remote work. The smoke’s far-reaching impact has prompted calls for collective action to address the devastating impacts of climate change, with leaders from different fields emphasizing the urgency of preparedness and adaptation to the climate crisis.

Bernie Sanders echoed these concerns, emphasizing that 98 million individuals on the East Coast are currently under air quality alerts due to Canadian fires and that New York City experienced the world’s worst air quality.

She said: “It bears repeating how unprepared we are for the climate crisis. We must adapt our food systems, energy grids, infrastructure, healthcare, etc ASAP to prepare for what’s to come and catch up to what is already here.”