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Air Index Updates
According to OSHA:For wildfire smoke pollutant, use the Air Quality Index isa measurement of fine particles in the air. An AQI over 150 is considered unhealthy for the general population. An AQI over 101 can be unhealthy for sensitive workers with asthma and other conditions.
The employer must provide a sufficient number of respirators for employee use on a voluntary basis when the current AQI for PM2.5 is equal to or greater than 151 but does not exceed 500. The employer must require employees to use respirators when the current AQI for PM2.5 is greater than 500.
Current AQI ratings vary around New York State. You can access AQI for New York here: State AQI | AirNow.gov
Most regions are well above 150 as of right now, therefore employer must provide respirators for field workers upon request.