Taking a deep breath outside these days might be more harmful than you think.
On Thursday, experts indicated that just three hours of inhaling the air in New York City is comparable to smoking 2.5 cigarettes. Residents are facing “unhealthy” air quality due to wildfire smoke drifting in from Canada and the Great Lakes, prompting officials to advise people to stay indoors.
“If you breathe New York City air, it’s reasonable to say you’ve smoked 10 cigarettes today,” said Michael Petroni, a pollution specialist and former EPA official. He was discussing the dangers of spending a day outdoors.
Since Wednesday, the five boroughs have been under an air quality health advisory, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reported between 151 and 200—far exceeding the “good” level of 0 to 50, according to the State Department of Environmental Conservation.
This means the air is laden with dirt, soot, smoke, and various toxins that New Yorkers are typically exposed to, much like lighting a few cigarettes. Petroni pointed out that roughly 20 AQI points over a full day equate to smoking one cigarette.
While this may sound alarming, the reality is that this exposure could potentially reduce lifespans.
The AQI gauges particulate matter which contains numerous toxins—including heavy metals and carcinogens—that are essentially invisible. “These particles are so tiny that they enter the bloodstream, disrupting your immune system,” Petroni explained. Over time, this accumulation could increase the risk of cancer and heart diseases.
Even brief outings can pose some danger, he cautioned.
New Yorkers might experience various symptoms like itchy eyes, fatigue, mucus buildup, headaches, and shortness of breath. “If you decide to go for a run today, you’ll find it challenging,” Petroni added. “You won’t be able to run as quickly, and your heart will be racing because your body is struggling to get rid of all the harmful particles.”
The upside? Staying indoors can significantly minimize these risks.
Using air purifiers and air conditioning can help filter out the contaminated air.
Additionally, the city is providing free K95 masks for those who must go outside. These masks can block up to 95% of pollution.
