Fourth of July celebrations included plenty of fireworks set off across the five boroughs – and weather experts say those fireworks directly contributed to the unhealthy air quality levels New Yorkers faced on Wednesday.
Weather experts said air quality would be at unhealthy levels for sensitive groups Wednesday due to the fireworks, with an index reaching as high as 118.
The state's Department of Environmental Conservation issued a health advisory, alerting New Yorkers of the scorching heat they say is keeping smog trapped in the ozone.
"We recommend staying in well-ventilated areas with coolings and not as much fragrances. If you do go outdoors and you have asthma or so, and if it's not too humid, we do advise to put on an N95 mask,” said Dr. Elias Youssef of NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County.
The City Council is planning to review whether Mayor Eric Adams’ response to the Canadian wildfire smoke that caused previous unhealthy air quality conditions was sufficient.
