Albany, NY (WRGB) — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the State Department of Health (DOH) have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Adirondacks and Central New York regions on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The advisory, in effect from 12 AM to 11:59 PM, is due to smoke from Canadian wildfires impacting air quality.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton and DOH Commissioner Dr. James McDonald announced the advisory, which concerns fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The affected regions include counties such as Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, and others in the Adirondacks, as well as Allegany, Broome, and several more in Central New York.
The advisory is triggered when DEC meteorologists predict pollution levels exceeding an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI provides a scale to assess health concerns related to pollutants, with higher values indicating greater risks.
Fine particulate matter consists of particles 2.5 microns or smaller, originating from combustion processes like vehicle exhaust and fires. Exposure can lead to short-term health effects, including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as exacerbating conditions like asthma and heart disease. Vulnerable groups include individuals with heart or respiratory issues, children, and the elderly.
To mitigate exposure, residents are advised to minimize outdoor activities and reduce indoor sources of PM2.5, such as tobacco smoke and cooking fumes. More information is available on the DEC and DOH websites. Residents can also sign up for Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers or call the toll-free Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345 for updates.