Air Quality Alert: Guidance from SUNY New Paltz Environmental Health & Safety

New Paltz is one of many areas in the northeastern U.S. being affected by air quality impacts from smoke originating from Canadian wildfires.

The campus office of Environmental Health & Safety has shared the following recommendations for protecting yourself during these conditions:

When pollution levels are elevated…the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, very old and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.

Take these steps to reduce your exposure;

Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running).

Shorten the amount if time you are active outdoors

Be active outdoors when the air quality is better.

Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.

When outdoors for an extended period of time wear a face covering or N95 to reduce the amount of small particles inhaled.

More information regarding air quality can be found at the National Weather Service Website.