Air quality alert: NYC handing out free KN95 masks as smoke from Canadian wildfires reaches unhealthy levels

Nope, that’s not your usual summer haze — that’s Canada’s wildfire smoke still lingering.

New York City is still under an Air Quality Advisory due to Canadian wildfire smoke, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching Level Red – Unhealthy (between 151-200) on Thursday morning. The advisory is due to continue through 11:59 p.m. tonight.

Due to the air quality issues, the city is handing out free KN95 masks at select locations throughout the Five Boroughs, including at over 200 libraries, all NYPD precincts, 9 fire houses, and select transit stations, including Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, Atlantic Ave—Barclays Center, and Jamaica Center—Parsons Ave.

To find your nearest distribution location, visit: on.nyc.gov/freemask.

The current AQI is unhealthy for everyone, but especially for sensitive groups, including older adults, children/teenagers, outdoor workers, and those with medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or respiratory issues such as asthma. 

NYC’s emergency management department is recommending that everyone reduce their level of strenuous outdoor activities and take extra breaks when outdoors. Sensitive groups are encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and consider rescheduling any planned activities or moving them indoors. Those in sensitive groups should monitor their symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath, and those with asthma should keep their quick-relief medicine on hand.

For a full list of air quality tips and how to stay safe, visit on.nyc.gov/4yvPvZV. For the latest AQI in your area, visit www.AirNow.gov.