Public Service Information

Public health officials caution against strenuous outdoor activity when ozone levels are high. To help people decide when to curtail activity, DEC forecasts ozone pollution and, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Health, posts warnings if dangerous conditions are expected to occur. 

Wildfire smoke can create dangerous community air pollution that poses an immediate risk to health and life. Smoke is a dangerous mixture of pollutants - ozone, carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic compounds, and high concentrations of fine particles or particulate matter (PM2.5) that can be inhaled deep in the lungs.

Wildfire Smoke Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke Strategies to Reduce Smoke Exposure

Wildfires are becoming larger and more frequent in the United States and Canada, in part due to the influence of climate change. Not only are we seeing hazier skies, we're experiencing more unhealthy air from wildfire smoke. Breathing wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but some people are at greater risk than others of experiencing health-related problems like heart and lung disease.