Healthy Living

How Does Air Quality Affect Our Health?

Jul. 15, 2026

Key Takeaways

Poor air quality can irritate your eyes and lungs, worsen asthma and heart disease, and make breathing more difficult.
Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with asthma, COPD, or heart disease are at the greatest risk for health effects.
Limiting time outdoors, checking the Air Quality Index (AQI), and reducing smoke exposure can help protect your health during air quality alerts.

Poor air quality isn't just an environmental concern—it can have real effects on your health. Whether it's caused by wildfire smoke, ozone, or other air pollutants, poor air quality can make it harder to breathe, worsen existing medical conditions, and increase health risks for people of all ages.

During wildfire season, smoke can travel hundreds of miles, creating hazy skies and unhealthy air quality across New York State.

Elizabeth Murray DO, MBA, FAAP, a pediatric emergency medicine physician, and Daniel Croft, MD, MPH, a pulmonologist and environmental health researcher, recommend taking these precautions.

Why is the Air Quality Bad Today?

The State Department of Health issued an air quality alert for all parts of New York, stating that western regions of the state will experience the greatest impact. This is due to winds blowing wildfire smoke from Canada towards New York.

Air Quality in Rochester, New York

The air quality in Rochester, New York, is usually good. The easiest way to check the current air quality in your local area is through the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Air Quality Index Key:

0–50: Good

51–100: Moderate

101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups

151–200: Unhealthy

201+: Very unhealthy to hazardous

How Does Poor Air Quality Affect Your Health?

When wildfire smoke drifts towards Rochester, the level of fine particle pollution increases significantly. These tiny particles, known as PM2.5, are small enough to get deep into your lungs and even your bloodstream.

Poor air quality can affect nearly everyone, especially during prolonged exposure or outdoor activity. Common symptoms include:

Coughing
Sore throat
Eye irritation
Runny nose
Headaches

Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Fatigue during exercise

"We're worried about people with chronic conditions, but we're also worried about everyone having additional stress on their body from the air pollution," said Dr. Croft.

How our teams are addressing air quality and health

Who is Most at Risk?

Some people are more vulnerable, including:

People with asthma
People with COPD or other lung or heart diseases
Children and older adults
Pregnant people
Those who smoke or vape (quit smoking today!)

How to Protect Your Health During Poor Air Quality

As the air quality persists or worsens, these tips from Dr. Croft and Dr. Murray can apply to everyone, regardless of sensitivity.

Limit time outdoors, especially during strenuous activity
Keep windows and doors closed when possible
Recirculate the air in the car
Use an indoor air cleaner if able
Keep asthma inhalers, medications, and spacers on hand
Outdoor workers: Take frequent breaks and wear an N95 or KN95
Pet owners: Shorten walks for your health and your pet's

"When we think about wildfire smoke, you can think of it a little like secondhand cigarette smoke—you just want to avoid it," said Dr. Croft.

The World Health Organization provides more information on health risk.

When to Seek Care

Get in touch with your care team if you experience persistent coughing, wheezing, increased asthma symptoms, or trouble breathing that doesn't improve indoors

If you or a loved one is experiencing health concerns related to air quality, call your primary care physician or connect with URochester Medicine providers via Virtual Urgent Care. Virtual Urgent Care is available to patients in New York State and Florida over the age of 5.

Monday through Friday: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Weekends: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. & 12:30–4:30 p.m.

Holidays: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. & 12:30–4:30 p.m.

If you or a loved one experiences a medical emergency, call 911.

Can Air Pollution Affect Brain Health?

Air pollution affects more than your lungs—it can harm your brain. Ultrafine particles may contribute to learning difficulties in children and to dementia in older adults. Find our what URochester Medicine researchers are learning and why this matters for your health.

The Latest Research