ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The smoke in the air caused by Canadian wildfires is something New Yorkers can feel, see and smell this week.

While plenty of people are heeding the advice of health experts to say indoors if possible, some folks were still out and about braving the smoky air.

What You Need To Know

Smoke in the air is keeping many indoors, but some people continue outdoor activities

Outdoor walkers and runners say they are feeling the effects of the smoke

Health experts urge people to stay inside and, if they must be out, to wear an N95 mask

Normally, health experts encourage heading outdoors and getting some exercise, but not now.

“I can feel it,” said Alicia Mizes of Rochester. “It’s a lot tougher. I mean, I feel like I can’t run as fast. My breathing is a lot heavier. So, I’m just doing it because I’m studying for a big exam, and I need it for my mental health.”

She is pounding the pavement for a run, despite the dangerous air quality.

“And I’m not straying far from my house, and my house is like a mile away,” said Mizes. “I’m going to stick within a mile of my house.”

“Today is not the day to go out running,” said the commissioner of the New York state Department of Health, Dr. James McDonald. “I like you to go outside as well, but if you do need to go out running and you have to, if you do put a mask on, a mask will protect you as long as it’s a 95 or an N95.”

Some people are taking that advice and taking the advice to stay inside. The parks, playgrounds and typically busy summer locations were virtually empty in many places across the state. Those who are taking to the outdoors say they can feel the effects of the smoke.

“My nose is running and my eyes are burning yellow. And you could smell it,” said walker Dawn Wells.

“I thought I’d get out early before the weather got really bad, before it got really heated up. I’ve seen a lot of people with masks on, so that is probably something I should have thought about,” said walker Eric Johnson.

The air is not healthy for animals either.

“I can smell it,” pet owner Alan Dusseau said while taking his dogs, Cara and Jax, for a walk. “The dogs feel it. I feel it. We definitely cut our walk short today. Because definitely because of the smoke, it’s bad.”

“I think it’s important to understand everyone’s at risk today,” McDonald said. “Everyone is not the same risk. There’s all these particles in the air that are very small, smaller than 2.5 microns. So, you can’t see them. But when you’re exercising, when you’re out there running, you’re inhaling all these particles. When you inhale, these particles are getting deep into your lungs. Over time, you will notice this becoming a problem, and you may start coughing, or it may not be until after you’ve had your workout.”