New York City is giving out free KN95 masks as the region is enveloped in smoke from Canadian wildfires.<\/p>\n
But, how much do they help?<\/p>\n
Here’s what to know, from the air quality index to masking up.<\/p>\n
Air quality in NYC<\/p>\n
In the New York City metropolitan area, the Air Quality Index, or AQI, is forecasted<\/a> to hit 200 on July 16, according to the state’s website<\/a>, indicating that the air is unhealthy. “Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects,” according to the AQI<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned New Yorkers of potentially dangerous conditions, and the mix of air quality and hot temperatures “is a serious threat to New Yorkers’ health.” The temperature is expected to have a high of 89 degrees Thursday, according to AccuWeather<\/a>.<\/p>\n NYC giving out KN95 masks. Do they help?<\/p>\n Some services have been activated amid the conditions.<\/p>\n The city has cooling centers open, which can be found here: https:\/\/finder.nyc.gov\/coolingcenters\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n NYC is also giving out free KN95 masks. Locations can be found here: on.nyc.gov\/freemask<\/a>.<\/p>\n A well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask could help filter out particles, according to officials<\/a>.<\/p>\n “If you spend time outside, a well-fitting KN95 or N95 mask offers protection,” the city said<\/a>. “Cloth masks and surgical masks do not provide meaningful protection against fine particulate matter.”<\/p>\n The biggest recommendation, however, is to stay indoors, particularly those who are sensitive to poor air quality.<\/p>\n