What are the health risks of wildfire smoke? Here's who is most at risk

Air quality is expected to reach dangerous levels around the region again this week due to wildfire smoke making its way from Canada, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul warned Tuesday.

The New York City area was smothered in a cloud of thick smoke due to wildfires in the eastern Canadian provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia a few weeks ago.

With the air quality being so dismal, who is most at risk healthwise when it comes to wildfire smoke?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plants, buildings, and other material.

The health effects of wildfire smoke are far and wide, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. They can range from eye and respiratory irritation to more serious conditions, including reduced lung function. Exposure can also exacerbate asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and heart failure, prompting premature death, according to both the EPA and CDC.

The CDC notes that breathing in smoke can impact people right away and can cause:

• Coughing
• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Asthma attacks
• Stinging eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Runny nose
• Irritated sinuses
• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Chest pain
• Fast heartbeat

Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are most vulnerable to smoke exposure. Responders are also most at risk, according to the CDC.

On Wednesday, the city made recommendations out of precaution to protect New Yorkers, including limiting outdoor activities and staying inside when possible. Additionally, the city also recommends wearing a high-quality mask.

Additionally, on Wednesday morning, the NYC Health Department issued a statement on the expected bad air quality that will impact the city and surrounding areas. Saying that they expect the air quality index (AQI) to be moderate in range between 51-100, winds can change the scenario without much warning.

City health officials go on to say that children, older adults and people of all ages with heart or breathing problems should take precautions when the AQI reaches the 101-150 range. However, when the AQI goes over 150, ALL New Yorkers should begin to take precautions. (Here is a breakdown of who is most at risk and how one can protect themselves during bad air quality.)

According to the NYC Health Department, "these precautions include:

• Limiting time outdoors and/or taking frequent breaks from the outdoors.
• Avoiding prolonged and intense outdoor activities (this is especially important for caretakers, as children with asthma are especially sensitive). 
• Call 911 if you or someone you’re caring for has trouble breathing. 
• Monitoring conditions and being prepared. Now is a good time to pick up a mask, in case air quality deteriorates. The city is already making masks available at FDNY firehouses and NYPD precincts and is looking to expand supplies to more vulnerable communities.
• When air quality is poor, wearing a high-quality mask (e.g., N95) can reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. We will continue to communicate with New Yorkers about air quality through the summer. The situation will change regularly but we can be prepared for the months ahead."

Additionally, health officials say that although they plan to provide alerts if conditions deteriorate further (e.g., AQI above 200), listening to one's body is just as important.

"New Yorkers should listen to their body," the NYC Health Department went on to say.