Wildfire Smoke in Central New York: Why It’s Like Smoking Half a Pack a Day

If you’ve stepped outside lately and thought, "It smells like a campfire out here", you wouldn't be wrong. Smoke from the ongoing Canadian wildfires continues to drift across Central New York and the Northeast, triggering air quality alerts.

It’s the kind of exposure that some experts say is equivalent to smoking up to half a pack of cigarettes a day.

Why Central NY's Air Looks So Bad

Thanks to nearly 4,000 wildfires raging across Canada in what’s being called their second-worst wildfire season on record, smoke has traveled thousands of miles downwind into the U.S. That means cities across New York, including Utica and Syracuse, are experiencing dangerously high Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

Read More: New York DMV Issues Warning to Car Buyers

On days where AQI hits between 150 and 200 (a level we've seen several times this summer in Central NY), breathing the air outside is similar to inhaling the toxins from 10+ cigarettes.

Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke

The effects of wildfire smoke are real and can hit everyone, but are especially serious for young kids, older adults, pregnant women and anyone with asthma, COPD or heart conditions.

Even healthy individuals can experience symptoms like a scratchy throat, headaches, coughing, nausea, dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Wildfire smoke exposure has also been linked to increased ER visits, higher rates of cardiovascular events, and even long-term cognitive impacts like increased dementia risk.

What Makes Wildfire Smoke So Dangerous?

It’s not just wood and trees burning. With wildfires raging near towns- homes, cars, and synthetic materials burn, releasing a toxic cocktail into the atmosphere. That includes everything from plastics and carpets to furniture foam and clothing fibers.

Read More: The Best Places to Go Birding in Central New York 

This makes wildfire smoke significantly more dangerous than typical air pollution, like car exhaust.

Self-Care Tips for Smoky Days

When the sky looks apocalyptic and you’re stuck inside, a little self-care goes a long way:

• Hydrate. Drink lots of water to flush toxins and stay cool.

• Moisturize. Smoke dries your skin; use a barrier cream or balm.

• Diffuse essential oils. Lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus can help mask the smell.

• Stay calm. Anxiety can worsen physical symptoms.

Keep an Eye on Kids, Seniors, and Pets

Children breathe more air per pound than adults, and seniors often have weaker immune systems. Check in with loved ones and neighbors. And don’t forget pets, if it’s not safe for you outside, it’s not safe for them either.