This map is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by Ron Evans, and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) led Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program, led by Pete Lahm, USFS. Development work led by Sim Larkin, USFS, and Stuart Illson, University of Washington, in collaboration with the EPA AirNow Team. Correction equation work was led by Karoline Barkjohn, EPA. Additional thanks to Jonathan Callahan, Desert Research Institute, Marlin Martínez, University of Washington, and many others. This site relies on data provided from a number of sources, including AirNow, the Western Regional Climate Center, AirSis, and PurpleAir for monitoring and sensor data, and the NOAA Hazard Mapping System and National Interagency Fire Center for fire and smoke plume information. Feedback and questions can be directed to firesm...@epa.gov.
New York City law requires the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Both property owners and tenants have responsibilities to ensure that all New Yorkers remain safe in their homes from the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning (carbon monoxide is an odorless and highly toxic gas).
The legislation followed a Council oversight hearing on the growing problem of unlicensed smoke shops operating across the city. The bill was passed on June 22, 2023 and went into effect on July 23, 2023.
It is estimated that New York City is home to approximately 8,000 illegal, unlicensed smoke shops. Consequently, sales by illicit stores undermine the licensed recreational marijuana market, depriving New Yorkers of the tax revenues and community reinvestment funds generated from the 13% tax on legal sales. The products sold in unlawful stores are unregulated, and therefore can pose health risks to consumers.
Hain and others spoke out on Facebook recently about Penn National Gaming's plan to allow smoking on 50 percent of the gaming floor at Hollywood Casino York. Some said casinos should be smoke-free, citing concerns about the dangers of secondhand smoke. Others replied that if they don't like it, don't go.
Penn National Gaming said it plans to provide a comfortable gaming experience for both smokers and non-smokers by using state-of-the-art filtration systems for indoor air comfort and cleaning. It also looks for technological advances to incorporate into its systems, company spokesman Jeff Morris said in an email.
Designated smoking areas and ventilation systems do not address the problem with secondhand smoke, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and strokes, according to the nonprofit organization.
New York City's air pollution ranked the worst of any city in the world on Wednesday as wildfire smoke from Canada continued to drift over the area, creating a second day of orange haze over the city and prompting some residents to wear face masks outdoors.
The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday halted some flights bound for New York's LaGuardia Airport due to the smoke. Visibility was also causing delays at Newark Liberty International Airport.
NEW YORK -- Breathing the air in New York City as the region continues to be affected by smoke from wildfires in Canada may be worse than smoking a cigarette, health experts tell CBS2.
"Cigarette smoke and this smoke cause basically the same type of damage to your lungs," she said. "It causes an increase in inflammation, which, over time, if there's persistent inflammation, can become scarring."
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced air quality health advisories are being issued for tomorrow, Monday, July 17 for the entire state as smoke from wildfires in Western Canada continues to negatively affect air quality across the region. The smoke is expected to cause the Air Quality Index to reach levels in Upstate communities that are 'Unhealthy for All' New Yorkers. The forecast for the Lower Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island is expected to reach 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.'
"New Yorkers should once again prepare for smoke from the wildfires in Western Canada to impact our state's air quality this week," Governor Hochul said. "To help everyone stay informed and safe, we are activating emergency notifications on our roads and public transit systems and making masks available to counties for distribution. As forecasts continue to evolve, I encourage New Yorkers to stay up to date on the latest information and take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones."
Behind today's storm system, winds are expected to turn from the south to the southwest and west, potentially ushering an expansive plume of Western Canada wildfire smoke into New York State overnight Sunday and into Monday. Forecast models currently predict elevated levels of smoke-enhanced fine particulate matter (PM2.5) will spread across Upstate New York. The chemical compounds found in wildfire smoke are also expected to enhance ozone production Downstate. Forecasts for Tuesday show smoke slowly clearing out of the state. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is closely watching forecast models and data to determine if smoke or ozone will rise to levels that would trigger issuing Air Quality Health Advisories on Tuesday.
DEC and the State Department of Health (DOH) are issuing Air Quality Health Advisories for fine particulate levels that are unhealthy for any New Yorker due to smoke for the Western New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, Adirondacks, and Upper Hudson Valley regions. Air Quality Health Advisories are also being issued for the Lower Hudson Valley and New York City Metro regions, where smoke is forecast to reach levels that are "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," as smoke moves in later in the day. In addition, an Air Quality Health Advisory for ozone that is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups is forecasted for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions.
The Governor encouraged New Yorkers to begin planning now for potential changes to outdoor activity on Monday, July 17, until conditions improve. Summer camp directors should know their local AQI forecast and alert level and follow DOH and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency AQI guidance, available here. DEC and DOH experts continue to monitor air quality, watching smoke and weather patterns closely.
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "With unhealthy air quality affecting most of the state, DEC encourages all New Yorkers to make informed decisions and follow guidance that can prevent health issues related to poor air quality due to smoke and elevated ozone levels. DEC experts and our partners across the state will continue to closely monitor forecasts for air quality and keep the public informed."
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 28: Wildfire smoke clouds the skyline on June 28, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago area is under an air quality alert as smoke from Canadian wildfires has covered the city for a second straight day. (Scott Olson)
Buildings as smoke from Canada wildfires creates haze in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada are leading to very hazy conditions and prompting air quality alerts in the Chicago area Tuesday. Photographer: Jamie Keleter Davis/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )
Chicago's skyline is seen from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck of the John Hancock Building with heavy smoke from the Canadian wildfires blanketing the city, on June 27, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement, "The City of Chicago is carefully monitoring and taking precautions as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has categorized our Air Quality Index as "unhealthy" due to Canadian wildfire smoke present in the Chicago region. We recommend children, teens, seniors, people with heart or lung disease, and individuals who are pregnant avoid strenuous activities and limit their time outdoors." (KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP)
Purpose
To provide a clean and healthy environment for our employees, customers, and visitors, recognizing that secondhand smoke form tobacco has direct adverse affects on the health of smokers and nonsmokers alike, and in accordance with Article 13-E of the New York Public Health Law.
Policy
Smoking shall not be permitted, and no person shall smoke in any indoor area. This includes the bar, dining room, office(s), kitchen, storage room, restrooms, and vehicles used for business.
Enforcement
This policy applies to all employees, customers, suppliers, and visitors. Individuals violating this policy shall be reminded of the law and asked politely to step outside to smoke. The person(s) in charge must make a good faith effort to prevent smoking in prohibited areas. Police will be called if the violator is belligerent or threatening physical harm.
Policy
Smoking shall not be permitted, and no person shall smoke in any indoor work area. This includes hallways, meeting rooms, cafeterias, private and non-private offices, shops, warehouses, and vehicles used for business.
Enforcement
This policy applies to all employees, suppliers, visitors, and customers. Individuals violating this policy shall be reminded of the law and asked politely to step outside to smoke (except where smoking on the grounds is prohibited). The person(s) in charge must make a good faith effort to prevent smoking in prohibited areas. Employees may be subject to disciplinary action if warnings are ignored.