STAY INDOORS: Erie County urges continued precautions as smoke-filled air is expected through Thursday

Says the safest place for people is indoors

Submitted by the Erie County Department of Health

The latest weather forecasts are predicting very unhealthy air quality conditions to continue through the day tomorrow, Thursday, June 8. The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) strongly recommends that individuals remain indoors as much as possible while these poor air conditions persist.

This may mean postponing work outdoors and outdoor sports activities, especially when participants are younger children, older adults, or individuals with heart conditions like heart failure or lung conditions like asthma or COPD. Parents and caregivers should insist that children and adults in their care stay inside. Make sure windows and doors are closed.

Employers with workers who spend time outdoors should shift to indoor projects if possible. Limiting the amount of time spent outdoors is another way to reduce your risks and avoid symptoms like eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Check current air quality readings at Airnow.gov; this is updated regularly.

When worn properly, N95-style masks can reduce the smoke (pollution particles) inhaled. However, best way to reduce any health risks is to avoid outdoor air. Remember that exertion and heavy physical activity when wearing a N95-style mask may make breathing difficult; take frequent breaks and limit time outside.

Erie County will have a limited supply of N95-style masks available starting tomorrow morning, Thursday, June 8, at 9 a.m. in the Rath Building lobby (95 Franklin St., downtown Buffalo).

For more:

• ECDOH release from 6/7/2023 with precautions, vulnerable populations
• Airnow.gov – visual maps of current air quality/particulate counts. Updated regularly.
• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation – today’s air quality index (AQI) forecast
• New York state-Canadian wildfires impacting state’s air quality
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – particulate pollution