HORSEHEADS, N.Y.(WENY)-- The extent of the Canadian Wildfire Smoke earlier in the year took many by surprise as repeated plumes of smoke significantly degraded the air quality in the Twin Tiers for many days. During these outbreaks, Cornell researchers noted that nearly half of all New York counties, including Tioga, Chemung, Schuyler and Yates,  lacked air quality sensors.  

''It will fill in the data gaps. The more data we have, the more accurate our information is, especially for those that are vulnerable to wildfire smoke. Those that suffer from respiratory illnesses. This will provide them more accurate information when the next threat for wildfire smoke pushes into our region,'' said Chief Meteorologist Joe Veres. 

Inhaling the toxic smoke can be particularly hazardous for the elderly and persons with chronic diseases. Dr. Alistair Hayden, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health in Cornell, is working on a way to improve access to wildfire data.

The smoke data meteorologists obtain and use in their forecast comes from the Department of Environmental Conservation (D.E.C.). Having these sensors will make it easier to understand the severity of the plumes of smoke. 

Depending on the object burning (grass, trees, vegetation or plastic), wildfire smoke can contain toxic chemicals like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, metals or even acid gases. These chemicals can damage the lungs or even cause heart attacks.