The New York State departments of Health (NYSDOH) and Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) issued another air quality advisory for most of the state today, June 28. The Oswego County Health Department joins the state in reminding residents to monitor the air quality index and limit their exposure to potential pollutants.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oswego County’s air quality is “unhealthy” with an index of 154 as of 9 a.m. Hazy skies and air quality issues have plagued the state since early June as wildfires continue to burn across Canada.

Dr. Christina Liepke, medical director for the Oswego County Health Department, once again advised residents to monitor people with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, COPD and heart disease, which could be exacerbated by air pollutants.

“Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath,” she said. “Children, the elderly and people with heart or breathing problems can also be particularly sensitive to this pollution.”

These sensitive groups should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, keep those activities short or consider moving physical activities indoors or re-scheduling them.

Otherwise, most people may want to choose less strenuous activities – like walking instead of running, so they’re not breathing as hard – or wait until the air quality improves before being active outdoors.

Residents may also want to consider wearing an KN-95 mask to help filter out smoke and ash particles from the air, keeping windows and doors closed to protect indoor air quality and using air purifiers or air conditioners with high efficiency filtration if available.

KN-95 masks are available for pick up at the Oswego County Health Department, 70 Bunner St., Oswego. Residents can come to the main entrance (Entrance B) on the west side of the building between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. There is a mask limit of two per person.

Health department staff delivered KN-95 masks to local municipal offices earlier this month. Residents can call their town or village clerk to find out if they have them available.

The health department continues to monitor the air quality index across the county and will make a decision this afternoon about its scheduled pet rabies vaccination clinic in Central Square this evening. Residents will be notified if there any changes.

People can monitor the county’s air quality status at https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Oswego&state=NY&country=USA.