Local air quality is improving, bringing relief to many residents and ending the statewide air quality advisory issued by New York State earlier this week.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oswego County’s air quality is “unhealthy for sensitive groups” with an index of 120 as of 8 a.m. Wildfires burning in Canada have led to ongoing air quality issues in the U.S. this month.

With these improvements, the Oswego County Health Department advises residents to continue monitoring air quality and following safety precautions as necessary.

Most people can resume regular activities; however, those with heart and lung disease, older adults, children and teens should continue to take extra precautions and limit strenuous outdoor physical activities. Those with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, COPD and heart disease, should also watch out for symptoms as they are more sensitive to 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.

Residents may want to consider wearing an KN-95 mask to help filter out smoke and ash particles still in the air. They can pick up masks at the health department, located at 70 Bunner St., Oswego. Come to the main entrance (Entrance B) on the west side of the building between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. There is a mask limit of two per person.

Keeping windows and doors closed to protect indoor air quality and using air purifiers or air conditioners with high efficiency filtration if available are also helpful.

Pet owners are also advised to continue monitoring their animals as they are especially sensitive to air pollutants. They may want to consider limiting outdoor activities if possible and contacting their pet’s veterinarian if needed.

Residents can continue to monitor Oswego County’s air quality status at https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Oswego&state=NY&country=USA.