Air Quality Health Advisory issued for Capital Region

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and State Department of Health (DOH) have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Capital Region. The advisory comes as wildfires in Canada bring visible smoke and haze to New York.

Officials reportedly expect air pollution levels to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100. Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat; coughing; sneezing and shortness of breath. The exceeded levels can also worsen medical conditions like asthma and heart disease.

The Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for counties across the entire state. It will be in effect from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Monday. Take a look below for a full list of the affected Capital Region counties:

Air Quality Health Advisory regions

• Upper Hudson Valley: Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington counties
• Lower Hudson Valley: Dutchess and Ulster counties
• Adirondacks: Essex, Hamilton, northern Herkimer and Warren counties
• Central New York: Herkimer and Otsego counties

Authorities recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and limiting time outside while the advisory is in effect. Updates on the advisory can be found on the NEWS10 Weather Alert page.