Air quality is generally considered poor in Putnam County. Looking at the average daily density measure of fine particulate matter in the air, the county performed worse than New York State and fourth among the seven mid-Hudson region counties. This is according to the recent 2025 County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, an annual publication of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, and the related “Putnam County Executive Summary,” published and posted online by the Putnam County Department of Health.
Another area of concern in Putnam found in the County Health Rankings is transportation, which is often linked to air quality. Compared to the rest of the state, more Putnam residents drive to work alone and more also commute longer than 30 minutes. When compared to the mid-Hudson region, Putnam also does poorly—with five counties out of seven having fewer solo drivers and with the highest regional percentage of commuters driving longer than 30 minutes. These trends exist even though traffic volume did not appear a concern for Putnam roadways. 

Particulates, Pollutants and Health
Air quality can be measured based on the level particulates or pollutants present. Being exposed to high levels of these particulates or pollutants, such as ozone, for long periods of time can have a negative impact on your overall health and wellness. Participating in outdoor activities when there is poor air quality can impact your breathing and increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, particularly if you have a pre-existing condition. Air quality is fickle and can change quickly… even in just a few hours. To reduce exposure to particulates and pollutants, a person can monitor air quality using the air quality index (AQI). 

The Air Quality Index Tool
The AQI tool consists of six color-coded categories, each corresponding to a range of values that are labeled with a level of health concern. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, known as the DEC, and the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, use the AQI to communicate about outdoor air quality and its effect on health. The AQI is easy to understand and helps individuals quickly determine when the air quality reaches unhealthy levels.

What to do when outdoor air quality is unhealthy…
In warm weather, air quality usually worsens because sunlight and hot temperatures increase ground level ozone. When an air quality alert is issued, it is crucial that everyone, but especially at-risk individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, pregnant people, children, teens, and the elderly, follow safety guidelines to minimize their exposure to harmful pollutants. Limiting outdoor activities and reducing indoor pollutants by keeping windows closed and using air purifiers are good steps to take. Most importantly, at-risk populations should follow medical advice and prescription instructions given by their healthcare provider.. 

How to monitor air quality…
Fortunately, it is easy to monitor air quality readings these days. In fact, most smart phone weather apps incorporate the official AQI and air quality alerts into the other environmental data they provide on heat, humidity, wind, ultraviolet radiation and air pressure numbers. You can also rely on several New York State and national government resources:

• Call the New York State DEC Air Quality Hotline at 800-535-1345.
• Visit the following sites: https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/aqi/aqi_forecast.cfm for New York State, or for nationwide data enter a zip code at https://www.airnow.gov 

For more information about the pollutants ozone and particular matters, and how to use the AQI: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/air-quality-index-forecast-current-observations 

For comprehensive guidelines on how to protect your health during poor air quality episodes: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/