New York AG warns of price gouging on masks, other essential items amid air quality issues
New Yorkers who awoke to the worst urban air quality in the world Thursday morning may feel increasingly inclined to purchase things like facemasks, air purifiers and air filters to keep themselves safe.
But as demand — and desperation for such products — rises, New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning the state's consumers to be wary of price gouging on essential items as smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires continues to pose an air quality threat across the U.S.
“The poor air quality impacting our state should not be an excuse for companies to increase profits on essential items,” James said Wednesday in a written statement. “My office has zero tolerance for price gouging of any kind, and if New Yorkers notice abnormally high prices for essential items, I urge them to report it immediately."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the city's air quality health advisory has been extended through Thursday night as the sprawling metropolis continues to be blanketed in a brownish haze from the drifting smoke.
James further urged New Yorkers to follow local health guidelines, which include that all New Yorkers, particularly those with lung disorders and other health issues, limit their time outdoors. For those who must be outdoors for an extended period of time, it's recommended to wear facemasks, according to the New York Department of Health.
Air quality index today: National AQI map shows hazardous conditions amid Canadian wildfires
Gov. Kathy Hochul said 1 million N95 filtering masks will be made available Thursday across New York state, with more than 400,000 being distributed to New Yorkers at subway and bus stations and state parks. Another 600,000 will be made available for local governments to pick up and distribute.
Live updates: Air quality alerts, wildfire smoke from Canada may linger in US for days
Amid the air quality alert, James reminded the state's residents that New York law prohibits businesses from selling vital goods or services for an excessive price during emergencies. The statute — which applies to vendors, retailers and suppliers — includes food, water, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation options.
How to report price gouging in New York
Consumers can report price gouging to the New York Attorney General's Office online or by calling 800-771-7755. When making the complaint, they're asked to include the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices; as well as provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.
Surreal photos: See NYC covered in glowing orange haze from Canada wildfire smoke
Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for Paste BN. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @EricLagatta.