Wildfire smoke: How to protect yourself when air quality worsens
Video. Health experts are urging people to take precautions as wildfire smoke from Canada blankets New York City. They recommend limiting time outdoors, wearing a properly fitted N95 mask when necessary, keeping windows closed and using HEPA air purifiers to reduce exposure.
The smoky conditions come as the city prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for the FIFA World Cup, raising concerns for residents, spectators and athletes alike.
Doctors say wildfire smoke is more than just an inconvenience. It contains tiny particles known as fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which are small enough to travel deep into the lungs. Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, trigger coughing and make it harder to breathe. For people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, it can also increase the risk of serious flare-ups.
Dr Neelima Tummala, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist at NYU Langone Health, says some groups are particularly vulnerable. Children under the age of five breathe more rapidly than adults, meaning they inhale more polluted air. Older adults, especially those over 65, are also at greater risk because many have underlying heart or lung conditions that can be worsened by poor air quality.
Her advice is straightforward: limit the amount of time spent outdoors whenever air quality is poor. If going outside is unavoidable, wear a properly fitted N95 mask, which filters out around 95% of fine airborne particles. Cloth masks and standard surgical masks do not provide the same level of protection against wildfire smoke.
Keeping windows closed at home and in the car can also help prevent polluted air from entering indoor spaces. Air purifiers fitted with HEPA filters can improve indoor air quality, while a saline sinus rinse may help reduce irritation after spending time outside.
With New York hosting FIFA World Cup matches, spectators are also being urged to stay hydrated, seek shade whenever possible and check air quality alerts before heading to stadiums. Health experts say taking simple precautions can help reduce the health risks posed by wildfire smoke.
