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In response to the poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke making its way to the Northeast, Westchester officials are canceling all county-sponsored outdoor events on Wednesday, June 7.
Additionally, officials are also urging all organizations within the county to also cancel their outdoor events.
As a third response measure, officials are also asking all county employees to wear a mask while they work outdoors as an "added precautionary measure."
The precautions come as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issues an air quality health advisory for the New York City metro area and lower Hudson Valley that is expected to last until Thursday, June 8.
The advisory also prompted some school districts in the county to cancel outdoor events, including Yonkers Public Schools.
"The unhealthy, unprecedented air quality in the city of Yonkers, due to wildfires in Canada, could impact our vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health issues," said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, who also added, "I encourage our residents to stay indoors with the windows closed."
Spano also encouraged residents to wear a mask if they must venture outside.
According to the DEC, the level of fine particulate matter in the air caused by the pollution can cause short-term health effects including:
- Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat;
- Coughing;
- Sneezing;
- Runny nose;
- Shortness of breath.
Exposure to the pollution can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease, county officials said, also adding that children and elderly residents are most at risk.
Residents are urged to keep their windows closed as the smoke continues to cover the area.
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