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Breathing NYC's smoky air is equal to having 10 cigarettes, expert warns
New York Post • • nation
Key Points:
- New Yorkers are experiencing "unhealthy" air quality due to wildfire smoke from Canada and the Great Lakes, with air pollution levels equivalent to smoking 2.5 cigarettes after just three hours outside.
- The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) has been in the 151-200 range, indicating high levels of harmful particulate matter like dust, soot, and toxins that can enter the bloodstream and increase risks of cancer and heart disease.
- Short-term exposure to the polluted air can cause symptoms such as itchy eyes, headaches, shortness of breath, and reduced physical endurance, particularly during activities like running.
- Officials advise residents to stay indoors, use air purifiers or air conditioning, and utilize free K95 masks provided by the city to protect against the pollution when going outside.
- Pollution expert Michael Petroni highlights that prolonged exposure to such air quality can have serious long-term health effects by damaging the immune system and overall health.
