SULLIVAN COUNTY – If you’ve walked outside and noticed the slight haze and scent of burning over the last few days, you aren’t imagining things. A statewide Air Quality Health Advisory was issued across New York Wednesday as smoke from Canadian wildfires combined with summer heat degraded air quality across much of the Northeast, including Sullivan County.

As conditions settled in Wednesday morning, Sullivan County’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed into the Orange category as the day progressed. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, those conditions are considered “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” State officials say those most at risk include individuals with asthma or heart disease, older adults, children, teenagers and outdoor workers.

“Poor air quality can affect everyone, but it poses the greatest risk to young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease or other chronic health conditions,” explained Sullivan County Public Health Director Jessie Moore. “During periods of unhealthy air quality, like we are currently experiencing, we encourage people to limit prolonged outdoor activity.”

By late Wednesday, conditions had worsened, prompting the advisory to expand statewide. On Thursday, Sullivan County’s air quality was forecast to move from the Orange category (AQI of 101-150) into the Red category, considered “Unhealthy,” with an AQI between 151 and 200. Under the direction of Governor Kathy Hochul, more than 100,000 high-quality N95-style masks are being made available to Sullivan and other counties to help address the air quality impacts.

According to the National Weather Service, smoke was forecast to lighten up today, but could return for portions of the weekend.

An AQI between 151 and 200 means some members of the general public may begin to experience health effects, while members of sensitive groups could experience more serious impacts. Those groups include children and teenagers, older adults, pregnant women, individuals with heart or lung conditions, people with asthma, those who work or exercise outdoors, and residents of disadvantaged communities.

Under these conditions, the state encourages everyone to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity and take frequent breaks. Sensitive groups are urged to move activities indoors or reschedule outdoor events when possible. If outdoor activity cannot be avoided, officials recommend taking frequent breaks and moving indoors if symptoms develop.

“Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, and use air conditioning or air filtration if available. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain, or worsening of any existing respiratory condition should seek medical attention promptly,” Moore said. “You can also stay informed by checking the Air Quality Index throughout the day. We have shared that link on our social media.”