For Cornell residents who spend their summer in Tompkins County or the northeastern United States, sunny summer skies have been obscured by smoke and haze due to wildfires in Canada. As of 3:00 PM on Wednesday, June 7, the city of Ithaca had an air quality index of 208labeled “very unhealthy» from AirNow, a government air quality database.
On Tuesday, June 6, Canada was finished 400 fires burning actively, with 240 fires burning out of control. The fires — which are mostly centered in Quebec — were largely sparked by lightning strikes in early June. However, above average temperatures and dry conditions have escalated fire outbreaks across the country since May.
A storm system off the coast of Nova Scotia has spewed smoke from wildfires across the United States. Smoke and smog are particularly concentrated in the northeastern United States — which includes some of the nation's most densely populated areas.
Tompkins County Local Officials was issued An alert on Tuesday warning of poor air quality in the county and discouraging any outdoor activities. There was another alarm later that day indicating the air quality index was around 201. Air pollution levels entered the “very unhealthy” category. AQI levels were higher than other cities such as the New York Metropolitan Area, which had an AQI of 174 on Tuesday.
According AirNowan AQI reading above 100 is considered 'unhealthy', a reading above 200 is considered 'very unhealthy' and a reading above 300 is considered 'dangerous'.
In a statement As of Wednesday morning, Tompkins County officials also said local air quality was now classified as “hazardous” — the AQI was measured at about 301 — and poses a greater risk to public health than previously estimated. The numbers are almost double from is appreciated New York metropolitan area AQI 155 according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
In the statement, Tompkins County Health Commissioner Frank Kruppa informed residents of the dangers of exposure to air pollution.
“Particulate pollution can cause serious health problems, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes and premature death,” Kruppa wrote. “At this elevated level of pollutants, everyone is advised to avoid outdoor physical activities to minimize exposure. We advise our community to stay informed of the current state of air quality.”
The statement follows one alarm by NYSDEC that residents of the Long Island, Metro New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York and Western New York areas should stay indoors and take precautions due to air pollution.
Tim Fitzpatrick, senior director of Cornell University Department of Environment, Health and Safetyalso sent an email to Cornell community members on Wednesday advising community members to follow safety guidelines in response to air quality concerns.
“Outdoor physical activity should be limited to reduce the risk of adverse health effects,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “People who may be particularly sensitive to the effects of high levels of pollutants, including the very young, the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease, should stay indoors if possible.”
Fitzpatrick also stated that campus departments will have to reschedule outdoor activities and adjust outdoor functions.
On Wednesday, the level of particulate matter in the air due to smoke was considered unhealthy in areas from Detroit to Philadelphia. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared the state's worsening air quality “a crisis of emergency” and warned residents to prepare for several days of air quality problems.
“New York and Syracuse were among the worst places on the entire planet yesterday,” Hotchul said. “The bottom line is this: If you can stay in, stay in.”
Updates on air quality concerns will continue to be issued through it Cornell Emergency Management website.
