(Ithaca, N.Y., June 07, 2023) – Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is alerting the community that local Air Quality has now moved to a hazardous level as defined by the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale, effective 9:00 AM today, June 7, 2023. This follows a previous Alert issued on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Tompkins County Whole Health is discouraging any unnecessary outdoor activity until the air quality returns below hazardous levels.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) has an alert in effect through Wednesday, June 7, 2023 (ending at midnight, 12:00AM Thursday, June 8, 2023).
The air quality level for outdoor air in Tompkins County has now progressed to scale above 301 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern. For comparison, the Air Quality Index in Tompkins County this time of year typically falls within the “Good” range of 0-50. For historical reference, please visit: iqair.com/us/usa/new-york/ithaca
When pollution levels are elevated to the “Hazardous” level, the New York State Department of Health recommends that everyone avoid outdoor physical activity to reduce their risk of adverse health effects.
People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, older adults, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with related healthcare concerns may consider contacting their healthcare provider.
Those who are especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollution should:
- Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
- Remain indoors and keep activity levels low.
- Reschedule outdoor activities to a time when air quality is better or move activities indoors.
Everyone else should consider the following steps to reduce your exposure:
- Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
High quality masks, such as N95 and KN95 masks, can be worn outdoors to reduce the inhalation of fine particles from the air. Cloth masks and surgical masks are not effective at reducing inhalation of pollutants.
Whole Health Commissioner Frank Kruppa stated, “Particle pollution can cause serious health problems, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes and early death. At this elevated level of pollutants, it is recommended for everyone to avoid outdoor physical activities to minimize exposure. We advise our community to stay up to date on the on-going air quality situation.”
Sign up for Tompkins County SIREN (Safety & Incident Real-Time Emergency Notifications) to receive key community alerts to your phone, text or email. Sign up online at: tompkinscountyny.gov/siren or dial 211 (1-877-211-8667) for assistance over the phone.
For additional information, please visit the NYS DEC website at: on.ny.gov/nyaqi or call the Air Quality Hotline at: 800-535-1345.Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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