Mayor Eric Adams said in a news release on Tuesday that by 10 p.m. the air quality in parts of New York City had become « very unhealthy, » rising to 218 on the US Air Quality Index. Environmental Protection Agency.
New York’s air quality rating briefly ranked the worst of any city in the world on Tuesday, according to the IQAir World Air Quality Index. By comparison, the city’s air quality has generally been below 50 on the index in recent years, in the « good category, » and has even improved during the pandemic-induced lockdown in 2020, according to IQAir.
« While conditions are expected to temporarily improve tonight through tomorrow morning, they are expected to further deteriorate tomorrow afternoon and evening, » Adams warned. She noted that the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation had issued a citywide air quality health advisory.
The mayor indicated that the city’s schools will be open on Wednesday and called on all students to participate, but added that the schools will not hold outdoor activities. About 10 Public School Athletic League football, baseball and softball games were scheduled for Wednesday.
« We recommend that all New Yorkers limit their outdoor activities as much as possible, » Adams said. « Those with pre-existing respiratory issues, such as heart or breathing problems, as well as children and older adults, may be especially susceptible and should stay indoors at this time. »
The mayor said he would brief the public on Wednesday morning about his administration’s plans.
