{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Local Edition","title":"Wildfire Smoke Returns to New York: How to Protect Your Health","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":988,"description":"\nSmoke from Canadian wildfires has once again moved across New York, creating hazy skies, reducing visibility and raising concerns about the health effects of breathing polluted air.The smoke contains a mixture of gases and tiny particles produced as trees, vegetation and, in some cases, buildings and other structures burn. One of the greatest health concerns is fine particulate matter known as PM2.5.These particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs and may enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting more than just the respiratory system, according to Njoki Mwarumba, Ph.D., assistant professor of emergency management at Empire State University.“The dangerous part here is the size of the particulate pollutant,” Mwarumba told Radio Catskill. “When you inhale that particle and it ends up in your lungs, it can also get into your bloodstream.”Who is most at risk?Wildfire smoke can affect anyone, but certain groups may experience symptoms sooner or more severely.Those at greater risk include people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, older adults, pregnant people, young children and people with other underlying health conditions.Mwarumba said people in those groups should begin taking precautions before air quality reaches levels considered unhealthy for the general population.Even people without existing health problems may experience irritated eyes, a dry or sore throat, coughing or difficulty breathing when smoke levels are elevated.Residents should pay attention to changes in their breathing and follow any guidance previously provided by their health care providers. Anyone experiencing serious difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms should seek medical attention.Caregivers should also closely watch children and people with disabilities who may have difficulty explaining how they feel. Pets can also be affected by smoke and should spend less time outdoors during periods of poor air quality.Check the Air Quality IndexMwarumba recommends...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/zAz8MMy-u3jzJ0mU3OHuzCiXMiYC5vKuioVOt2aciWc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81ODIz/MGUzZGI1YTI2YWQ5/ZTQ4NTZmZWI0MmE5/NTE3Yi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}