New York City is giving away free KN95 masks as the region remains engulfed by smoke from Canadian wildfires.
But how much do they help? Here’s what to know, from air quality index to masking.
Air quality in NYC
In the New York City metropolitan area, the air quality index, or AQI, is projected to reach 200 on July 16, indicating the air is unhealthy, according to the state’s website. According to AQI, “Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of vulnerable groups may experience more serious health effects.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned New Yorkers about potentially dangerous conditions, saying that the combination of poor air quality and hot temperatures “poses a serious threat to the health of New Yorkers.” According to AccuWeather, temperatures are expected to reach 89 degrees on Thursday.
NYC is giving away KN95 masks. Do they help?
Some services have been activated within the conditions.
Cooling centers are open across the city, which can be found at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters.
NYC is also giving away free KN95 masks. Locations can be found at on.nyc.gov/freemask.
According to officials, a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask can help filter out particles.
“If you spend time outdoors, a well-fitting KN95 or N95 mask provides protection,” the city said. “Cloth masks and surgical masks do not provide meaningful protection against microscopic particles.”
However, the biggest recommendation is to stay indoors, especially for those who are sensitive to poor air quality.