Canada Wildfire Smoke Creates Hazardous Air Quality Across Northeast and Midwest

Since mid-July, thick, choking plumes of smoke from wildfires in Canada are pouring into major cities across the Midwest, Northeast and mid-Atlantic, bringing dangerous air quality to more than 100 million people. The polluted air will last through at least Saturday in some areas as new waves of smoke waft south.

"Very unhealthy" and "hazardous" air quality stretches from northeast Minnesota to southeast Virginia. All or almost all of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland are under alerts as of Friday afternoon. Detroit and Washington, D.C., ranked among the world's most polluted major cities on Friday, as air quality alerts stretched from Minnesota to parts of the East Coast.

Health and Practical Tips

Wildfire smoke contains microscopic particles (PM2.5) that lodge deep in lungs and can aggravate heart and respiratory conditions. Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness or fatigue and aggravate heart and lung diseases and other chronic health issues. Experts suggest reducing or eliminating outdoor activities, wearing an N95 mask if you have to be outside, and keeping your indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air purifier or air conditioner.

Approximately 800 wildfires are burning in Canada and about 20 more are burning in Minnesota's Superior National Forest. If you are relocating to the Northeast or Midwest, understand that seasonal wildfire smoke can occur during summer months. Consider purchasing air purifiers and N95 masks now. People with asthma, heart conditions, or other respiratory issues should take extra precautions. Check local air quality forecasts daily using resources like AirNow.gov before planning outdoor activities.

Sources

• CNN – Wildfire Smoke Forecast and Air Quality
• CBS News – Wildfire Smoke Maps and Alerts
• The Washington Post – Wildfire Smoke in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic