Latest news with #AirQualityHealth
CBS News
24-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Concern over NYC air quality as N.J. wildfire continues to burn
Air quality concerns in New York City and beyond due to New Jersey wildfire Air quality concerns in New York City and beyond due to New Jersey wildfire Air quality concerns in New York City and beyond due to New Jersey wildfire An Air Quality Health Advisory was in effect in New York City Thursday as the wildfire in Ocean County, N.J. continued to burn. The advisory is in effect until midnight. New York City isn't the only area impacted by the smoke the wildfire is producing. A hazy sky hovered over the entire region. A National Weather Service Air Quality Alert covered New York City, Long Island, and even Central New York. "Smoke itself is a big irritant that just goes into the lung and causes inflammation. So there could be many things that people are breathing in that could affect people differently, " Dr. Swapnil Patel of Jersey Shore Medical Center said. With summer-like weather Thursday, people were out trying to enjoy the day, even as the Air Quality Index, or AQI, reached levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, like those with asthma, COPD, children and older adults. CBS News New York "When these advisories are issued, that really is a sign that you need to start paying attention," New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said. "Itchy throat, trouble breathing, you're outside for long periods of time and then you start to feel some symptoms, make sure you're going inside." The Air Quality Alert isn't a call for everyone to stay inside, but rather to remain cautious and aware, even when staying inside. "We smelled it in the house. We did feel it a little bit, so we did close the windows. We had them open because it was such a beautiful day," Freehold resident Maxine Grank said. David Paredes and his friends were out enjoying the day, But since Paredes has asthma, he stayed cautious. "Kind of feels like you have a powder in your throat, or it gets hard to breathe. Like, the airways and stuff, they get kind of clogged," Paredes said. Patel recommends keeping an eye on at-home air filtration devices, and making sure their internal filters are changed. "The higher quality filters are going to do a better job of course, so you want to look at the quality of filter you have. But make sure you change it, especially after a fire episode, just to make sure the air inside of your house stays clean as well," Patel said.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Arson blamed for massive New Jersey wildfire, smoke causes air quality alerts for millions
A 19-year-old Ocean County man has been charged with aggravated arson in connection with the massive Jones Road Wildfire, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service revealed Thursday morning. Officials say Joseph Kling, of Ocean Township (Waretown), ignited a bonfire using wooden pallets on Tuesday morning-then left the area without fully extinguishing the flames. Investigators used GPS mapping to trace the wildfire's origin. The fire, one of the biggest the state has seen in decades, quickly spread through dry brush in the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, ultimately destroying a commercial building and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. Evacuation orders have since been lifted as the fire moved away from densely populated areas. Additionally, after briefly closing on Monday evening, the Garden State Parkway was of Thursday, the Jones Road Wildfire had scorched 13,250 acres and remained just 50% contained. Thick smoke continues to blanket Jersey Shore communities, prompting officials to urge residents to stay indoors as much as possible. Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency in New Jersey in response to the fire. A news release from the governor's office said the state of emergency went into effect at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Declaring a state of emergency helps the state allocate resources to battle the blaze. Also on Wednesday, power was restored to all 25,000 customers in southern Ocean County who had lost service as a result of the wildfire. New Jersey wildfire smoke clouds New York City skies, triggers air quality alerts Thick smoke drifting north from a fast-growing wildfire in New Jersey reached New York City early Thursday, turning skies hazy and prompting air quality alerts for millions across the region. New York state's departments of Environmental Conservation and Health have issued Air Quality Health Advisories for New York City, Westchester County, Rockland County and Long Island. The sun rises over a smoky New York City on April 24, 2025. (Earthcam) The smoke cast an orange tint over the Staten Island sunrise-a visual reminder of the fire's reach well beyond state lines. Officials continue to monitor conditions as crews work to contain the blaze and winds steer the smoke across parts of the tri-state area. On Wednesday, northerly winds were pushing wildfire smoke south into Atlantic City and surrounding Jersey Shore areas, but AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heathe Zehr said winds switched directions early Thursday. "The wind will be more out of the south and southeast today which can carry some of that in New York City's direction." That wind has brought haze to the tri-state area but not a big reduction in visibility. Zehr said the bigger concern is lowered air quality which can cause problems for sensitive groups. "These people should limit outdoor strenuous activity today. Air Quality Alerts are in effect until midnight tonight. The good news is that the fire containment should grow today, and with light winds, it will be tough to bring in much smoke." You can check the air quality in your area anytime-for free-on the Accuweather app. AccuWeather air pollution forecast models have been enhanced to provide you with superior accuracy -- before, during and after wildfires -- to help keep your family, friends and your business better prepared and informed: NYC Air Quality Alert NYC AccuWeather Air Quality Forecast Page Click here to see the smoke forecast map for NYC.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kansas health officials issue air quality advisory due to dust, smoke
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for the state of Kansas due to very strong winds bringing dust and smoke from wildfires in Oklahoma and eastern Kansas. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) said the Air Quality Index (AQI) will likely range from unhealthy to possibly hazardous at times. . View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4 KDHE listed the following steps to help protect your health: Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise. More vulnerable people should remain indoors. Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
