☁ ☁ The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued an air quality advisory for Ulster County.

At this time, the DEC warns of high levels of fine particulate pollution due to smoke from wildfires outside of New York, and the poor air quality can be harmful to children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung conditions.

According to the CDC, N95 and KN95 masks can provide protection from the inhalation of wildfire smoke, but the best protection against smoke is to limit exposure.

The air quality index measures air pollutants on a scale from 0 to 500. When the index registers more than 100, the outdoor air remains safe for many, but some people, like older adults, children and those with heart and lung disease, are at increased risk. At the current time (Tuesday, 5:30 pm), the index in Ulster County ranges from 119 to 211, varying across the county. A number above 200 is considered “very unhealthy.” You can find the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area on the website AirNow, which is run by the Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.airnow.gov/

It’s expected for this haze to continue through Thursday, but conditions will change with the weather. We recommend all residents take all necessary precautions and monitor the Air Quality Index.

Thank you,

Mike Baden
Town of Rochester Supervisor
(845) 626-3043 office
(845) 663-4006 cellular