Cornell issued an air quality advisory for its Ithaca campus and Agritech locations that will last through the week, noting that Air Quality Index values exceed 150 in Ithaca amid wildfires in Canada, according to the Office of Emergency Management. OEM added that index values of this level are “considered unhealthy for all individuals.”
The advisory, which was relayed to the Cornell community in an email sent at approximately 1:18 p.m. on Wednesday, is scheduled to last from Wednesday through Friday. However, the email noted that conditions may continue through the end of the week.
The Department of Environmental Conservation’s extended forecast predicts AQI values of up to 200 on Thursday for the Central New York region.
The DEC also issued an air quality health advisory for fine particulate matter in the air from 10 a.m. on until midnight on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service also issued a hazardous weather outlook until July 23 and an air quality alert until Thursday at midnight for Tompkins County.
“Distant wildfires have impacted New York State in recent years, and this week unfortunately will be no different with expected hazy skies and poor air quality,” wrote Gov. Kathy Hochul in a Wednesday press release. “We are now closely tracking these conditions and I strongly encourage New Yorkers to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to stay safe. Sensitive groups should take particular caution.”
Wildfire smoke from Canada has affected New York in the past, and in 2023 reached values of above 400 in Ithaca following a record wildfire season in Canada.
There are currently 843 active Canadian wildfires according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Smoke from these fires has spread to the Midwestern and Northeast United States, prompting similar warnings from Minnesota through Toronto and New York, according to AP News.
OEM recommended that the community limits outdoor physical activity because of potential adverse health effects. While the air quality is unhealthy for all individuals, OEM emphasized that people with pre-existing respiratory conditions are more at risk. The office pointed to its information about outdoor air quality for more information on understanding the conditions.
In a Wednesday morning press release, Tompkins County provided resources for residents who want to avoid negative effects from the “unhealthy” air quality. It suggested residents wear “high quality” masks, such as the N95 and KN95, which are available for free at the Tompkins County Whole Health Office during open hours.
The county also pointed residents to Do-It-Yourself Air Cleaners as a way to reduce risks from air pollutants at home.
“Continue to monitor emergency.cornell.edu for updates as air quality concerns are expected to continue in the coming days,” OEM wrote.
Everett Chambala is a member of the Class of 2027 in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He is an assistant news editor for the 144th Editorial Board and can be reached at echambala@cornellsun.com.
