GENESEO, N.Y., July 18, 2023- The Livingston County Department of Health is advising residents to take precautions when engaging in outdoor-related activities due to poor air quality stemming from the on-going Canadian wildfires.
Locally, the Air Quality Index, a color-coded scale that is regulated by the level of unhealthy material in the lower atmosphere, is expected to rise as high as 101, which is classified by AirNow.gov as unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Low air quality, or what is also known as elevated levels of fine particulate matter, can negatively impact the public’s health. Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to low air quality.
Additional information on low air quality is available on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s website.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is comprised of more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.