Air Quality Health Advisory in effect for Capital Region

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- An Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for several counties in the Capital Region, according to the New York State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The alert will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

DEC meteorologists predict fine particulate matter levels to exceed an Air Quality Index of 100 due to wildfires in Canada. According to officials, exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter can cause short-term health effects -- such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat; coughing; shortness of breath and more -- or worsen pre-existing health conditions like asthma or heart disease.

The Air Quality Health Advisory is in effect for the lower Hudson Valley, upper Hudson Valley and Adirondacks. A full list of counties can be viewed below:

Air Quality Health Index regions

• Lower Hudson Valley -- Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster and Sullivan counties
• Upper Hudson Valley -- Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie and Washington counties
• Adirondacks -- Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, St. Lawrence and Warren counties

Authorities advise individuals to reduce time outdoors and avoid strenuous activities in the areas where the advisory is in effect. Updates on the advisory can be found on the NEWS10 Weather Alert page.