Mayor Adams’ statement on deteriorating air quality in New York City

June 6, 2023

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the following statement tonight on deteriorating air quality in all five boroughs due to smoke from wildfires in Canada, reaching 218 as of 10 p.m. air quality index (“very unhealthy” on Health Concern levels) according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in parts of New York City:

“Smoke from wildfires in Canada began to impact air quality in New York City today, and conditions tonight have worsened with additional smoke and haze moving into the region. Our team coordinates with the Department of Health, Environmental Protection, Emergency Management, NYPD, FDNY, Department of Education, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and many other agencies across the city to gather the right information for New Yorkers as fast as possible.

“At this point, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality advisory for all five boroughs. While conditions are expected to temporarily improve later tonight through tomorrow morning, they are expected to deteriorate further tomorrow afternoon and into the evening.

“Currently, we are taking precautions out of an abundance of caution to protect the health of New Yorkers until we are able to get a better idea of ​​future air quality reports. We recommend that all New Yorkers keep outdoor activities to a minimum. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as heart or breathing problems, as well as children and the elderly may be particularly susceptible and should stay indoors at this time. While all students are still scheduled to go to school tomorrow, New York City Public Schools will not be offering any outdoor activities on Wednesday. These recommendations may change based on updated air quality conditions, but, in the meantime, we recommend that all New Yorkers take the precautions they deem appropriate to protect their health.

New York City recommends the following actions to limit health risks resulting from reduced air quality:

• All New Yorkers should limit outdoor activities and stay indoors whenever possible. People with heart or respiratory problems as well as children and the elderly may be particularly susceptible and should avoid outdoor activities during this time.
• If you are an elderly person or have heart or respiratory problems and must be outdoors, wear a high quality mask (eg N95 or KN95).

Additional US Environmental Protection Agency recommendations can be found online.

Under the New York City Paid Safety and Sick Leave Act, covered employees are entitled to use safety and sick leave for the care and treatment of themselves or others. a member of their family. Employers and employees can visit the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection website or call 311 for more information on the law.

A toll-free air quality hotline has been set up so New York residents can stay informed about the air quality situation. The toll-free number is 1-800-535-1345.

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