Air quality in US fouls due to Canadian wildfires: Which states are worst affected and what can you do to save yourself?

Time of India

4 days ago

US air quality worsens due to Canadian wildfire
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How wildfire smoke can endanger your health
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Smoke from Canadian wildfire is engulfing much of the eastern and central United States and will last through the week. Smoke from numerous active wildfires in Canada is drifting south into the United States, deteriorating air quality in several states, including Minnesota. Satellite images and maps reveal the widespread reach of the smoke, which is also traveling eastward across the Atlantic Ocean.Nationwide, more than 3.4 million acres (1.4 million hectares) have already been scorched due to unusually hot and dry weather. In Manitoba, the fires have prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents.Smoke from Canadian wildfires has significantly deteriorated air quality across the American Midwest and has even reached parts of Europe. In Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, air quality levels were deemed "very unhealthy" on Tuesday, with the Minneapolis-St, reports AP. Paul area experienced hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) readings around 250. These conditions have led to health advisories, especially for individuals with respiratory issues, and a noticeable increase in hospital visits for symptoms like shortness of breath and asthma exacerbations.The wildfires have prompted the evacuation of over 27,000 residents across Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Manitoba has declared a state of emergency, with the city of Flin Flon alone evacuating more than 5,000 people. The situation has been exacerbated by hot, dry weather, and the smoke has traveled as far as Europe, though it poses minimal health risks there due to its high-altitude dispersion.In response to the deteriorating air quality, authorities recommend staying indoors and using N95 masks when outside. Air quality is expected to improve in Minnesota by Wednesday as the smoke moves southeast.Smoky conditions that have reached the US periodically in recent weeks extended as far east Tuesday as Michigan, west into the Dakotas and Nebraska, and as far to the southeast as Georgia.The US Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow map showed a swath of red for 'unhealthy' conditions across the eastern half Minnesota into western Wisconsin and northern Iowa. The map also showed purple for 'very unhealthy' across much of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, where the Air Quality Index numbers of 250 and were common, though conditions started to improve slightly by late morning.There are over 170 active wildfires in Canada. These fires have started affecting air quality in several US states, including Wisconsin and Michigan.Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and much of Wisconsin have been classified as unhealthy for sensitive individuals and animals due to poor air quality. Residents in these areas are reporting symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath and have been urged to remain indoors. As of last week, air quality in eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois was rated as moderate.Heavy smoke has blanketed Green Bay in Wisconsin, parts of Michigan, and Chicago, leading to hazy skies. Milwaukee and Chicago saw orange-hued sunsets, while the smoke spread as far east as Detroit. 'It's getting a little hard to breathe. But it's not terrible,' said Murray Kinsey, owner of a houseboat company near Babbitt, Minnesota, in an interview with the Associated Press. 'We've had it before, but it's been way worse.'The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency warned that fine particulate levels in the region could reach the red category on the Air Quality Index, indicating unhealthy conditions for the general population.On Saturday, May 31, smoke extended into the Appalachian region and the Southeast, with the Dakotas and Great Plains also expected to be impacted. The fires, which originated in Manitoba, Canada, have prompted evacuations and pushed the country to its highest National Preparedness Level. In response, Canada has sought international assistance. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed full support for local firefighting efforts in a social media statement.Inhaling smoke can result in a variety of ailments, from minor irritability to more serious problems like respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, according to USA Today.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies particulate matter—specifically PM2.5—as a major component of wildfire smoke and the most harmful air pollutant to human health. These fine particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially damaging other organs. Exposure to PM2.5 is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and neurological issues.When air quality deteriorates to unhealthy levels, it's important to limit physical activity—even indoors. Keep windows and doors closed, and avoid using air conditioning or fans that draw in air from outside. To help maintain indoor air quality, use air filters or air purifiers designed to remove fine particles from the air.