As the haze and smell of smoke from raging wildfires in Canada lingers, many residents are asking: When will it clear?
Experts say it could get worse before it gets better, but meteorologist Josh Nichols said Wednesday that conditions could change in the next 24 hours.
“The smoke layer will gradually thin,” Nichols said. “Areas downstate will see worsening air quality as we head into this evening. Here in Rochester, the air quality will still be poor. ... However, the smoke plume will thin somewhat, and it looks like we should start to see some improvements, especially as we head into tomorrow.”
“wood smoke can put individuals who are immunosuppressed at increased risk for respiratory infection.”- @UR_Med pulmonologist and air pollution expert Dr. Daniel Croft. @WXXINews https://t.co/zKbsJAaDnQ pic.twitter.com/21X1hUfqv0
— Max Schulte (@maxrocphoto) June 7, 2023
Nichols said changing wind patterns should start pushing the smoke away from the region.
“The worst of the smoke plume should be to our south and east by this evening here in Rochester,” he said. “Gradually we'll start to see some air quality improvements and an improvement in sky condition as well.”
He said another smoke plume is expected to head in on Thursday, but it may not affect the Finger Lakes region as much.
“This time it looks like the worst of it will take aim on far western New York, from Buffalo points west and into Ohio,” Nichols said. “And that will mean a somewhat better-looking sky.”
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Wednesday classified the Rochester region's air quality as "unhealthy." The conditions led to several closures or cancellations.
The city of Rochester moved or canceled outdoor activities, and the Rochester City School District canceled all outdoor activities.
Monroe County closed the Seneca Park Zoo and all county parks, including golf courses. The county also said employees who typically work outdoors are performing indoor tasks.
Dr. Michael Mendoza, Monroe County’s health commissioner, recommended that everyone remain indoors, with windows and doors closed, as much as possible.
“The wildfire smoke is creating a public health hazard in Monroe County, and conditions may deteriorate before they improve,” he said in a statement. “If you go outside for a brief period, I encourage you to wear a high-quality mask and avoid physical activity. These recommendations remain in effect until further notice.”
Mendoza said they determine the smoke’s potential health risk through the Air Quality Index, an index that reports information about air pollutants, including particles from wildfire smoke. It can be accessed at airnow.gov.
He said people who are most at risk are those with chronic lung or heart conditions, older adults, children and teenagers, pregnant women and outdoor workers.
"However, when the AQI reaches 200 or above (Purple/Brown), all of us are at elevated risk,” he said, adding that anyone with specific concerns should contact their primary care provider.
At the current level of air quality, some members of our community are at greater risk - please consider additional precautions like staying indoors, wearing a mask, and ensuring you are taking any medications as prescribed (including as-needed rescue inhalers like albuterol). pic.twitter.com/RGrC5KK9cA
— Dr. Mike Mendoza (@DrMikeMendoza) June 7, 2023
At the House of Mercy, Executive Director Tammy Butler said the shelter is working to encourage its residents to stay inside by offering more activities. Workers with the shelter are also distributing N95 masks to the homeless population to help mitigate the effects of the smoke.
The shelter has a capacity of 60 residents, and currently is housing 55 people.
“Especially those who have respiratory conditions or are feeling ill, we just encourage them to stay safe, and if they do go out into the community, encourage those who don't have a place to go, bring them here,” Butler said.
Dr. Keith Grams, chair of emergency medicine for Rochester Regional Health, said Wednesday that the emergency room has not seen a significant influx of patients coming in to be treated for related issues.
He said for the most part, people are exercising precautions and staying healthy.
“We've seen a couple of folks come in with a little bit more problems with their lungs, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not nearly as many as we kind of expected,” Grams said.
If you're a fairly healthy person with no underlying lung or heart conditions, Grams said you may experience some throat irritation or shortness of breath doing basic activities. But for the most part, he said "healthy folks aren't going to have an issue."
Includes reporting by Racquel Stephen and Gino Fanelli.
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