As Fires Rage in the Northeast, Here’s How to Breathe Easier

October was the driest month ever recorded in New York City, and so far, November hasn’t been much better. In fact, extremely dry weather conditions in the tristate area have persisted for weeks on end, fueling a.dramatic rise in the number of fires across the region.

On November 18, a drought warning was issued for New York City, with city agencies doing their utmost to conserve water and protect water supplies. As well, residents have been urged to reduce their water usage by taking shorter showers and turning off the faucet when brushing their teeth, among other measures. The Governor of New Jersey declared a drought warning a few days earlier.

Dr. Michael Niederman, Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, notes that the current spate of fires in the northeastern U.S. is far less severe than the wave of Canadian wildfires that poured smoke into the skies of New York City in the summer of 2023. Still, he warns, some people are more vulnerable to the effects of polluted air than others.

Who is vulnerable to the effects of smoky, polluted air?

People with heart or lung disease are especially vulnerable to the potentially harmful effects of polluted air. But even people in good health can be sensitive to poor air quality. No matter what your health status, it’s not uncommon to experience one or more of the following symptoms when the air quality index (AQI) rises above 100:

• irritation in the nasal passages
• burning in the eyes
• sore throat
• shortness of breath
• chest tightness or pain
• coughing
• wheezing

How can I minimize the impact of poor air quality on my health?

“If you notice that you’re having symptoms, stay indoors as much as possible,” Dr. Niederman says. “Wear a well-fitting mask when you’re outside—preferably an N95 or KN95. Limit outdoor activities. And when indoors, use air conditioning to filter the air you breathe, or use an actual air filter.”

See the New York City Department of Health’s website for more information regarding ways to avoid exposure to polluted air when persistent dry weather ups the risk of brushfires—more than 229 reported in the city since October 29—and full-blown wildfires.

Can smoky, polluted air cause permanent damage?

Most of us won’t experience lingering effects of hazardous air once the crisis has passed. “The body is very effective at clearing out any particles left behind from smoke inhalation,” he says. “However, it’s theoretically possible that very small particulates could remain in the lungs, and these might be problematic for some people. Overall, though, the risk of permanent damage is quite low.”

To stay safe, stay informed.

Dr. Niederman urges all of us to monitor the air quality index (AQI) regularly. Air quality forecasts and real-time information can be found at Airnow.gov—a website provided through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Your local newspaper, TV and radio station also offer air quality reports, which generally appear with the weather forecast.

“Know your vulnerability,” he adds. “If you start to experience symptoms when the AQI is between 50 and 100, stay indoors as much as possible, and follow the other guidelines mentioned above.” In short, use your best judgment, and adjust the time you spend outdoors accordingly.

In the meantime, let’s all hope for rain.

If you have questions about the effects of air pollution on your health, or if you’d like to make an appointment with a pulmonologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, click here.