US states under poor air quality alerts due to smoke from Canadian wildfires

() — Hazardous air quality and cloudy skies persist in the skies from Des Moines, Iowa, to Washington, as smoke from Canada’s wildfires drifts south, with more than 120 million under air quality alerts within USA

Chicago and Detroit had the worst air quality in the world as of Wednesday night, according to IQAir, while Cleveland, Detroit, Washington and Minneapolis were among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world.

In Canada, which is experiencing its worst fire season registered, the authorities also issued air quality alerts in several provinces.

A code red alert, warning of unhealthy air quality, was issued for much of the Midwest and Ohio Valley on Wednesday, according to AirNow.gov. Other affected US cities were mostly under “Code Orange”, with the air considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Several cities in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Iowa were experiencing “very unhealthy” air that poses health risks to everyone, not just sensitive groups, according to AirNow.gov.

The smoke was so thick that it reduced visibility by up to three miles in some areas of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley.

On Thursday, those areas are expected to experience the worst air quality in the country, with the highest risk of reaching “unhealthy” and “very unhealthy” levels early before the smoke begins to slowly disperse.

Farther east, including in New York, residents are likely under a Code Orange, or “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” air quality warning.

Residents are advised to stay indoors with air conditioning running, avoid going outside, and in some areas wear N95 masks if they must be outside.

Meanwhile, from Minnesota to Pennsylvania, some events have been canceled due to smoke from wildfires.

Fires don’t let up in Canada

Meanwhile, clouds of smoke billow across the border as hundreds of flames burn simultaneously across Canada.

“With no end in sight to the Canadian wildfires and westerly to northwesterly winds are expected to persist from south central Canada to the north central and northeastern United States, poor air quality conditions are likely to continue. ”, warned the National Weather Service.

Photographs from all over the country They captured eerie hazy or orange skies over iconic American skylines, with lingering smoke over highways and neighborhoods.

New York authorities were distributing N95 masks at transit centers and parks. New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday expanded a health advisory on air quality in New York to include the entire state.

Wildfire smoke carries particulate matter, or PM2.5, a tiny but dangerous pollutant that, when inhaled, can penetrate deep into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. of the USA, CDC. These particles have been linked to a number of health problems, including asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory diseases.

With the air quality index above 150 and considered “unhealthy” in many cities, residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. People in vulnerable groups should avoid exposure to the outdoors, especially if they are pregnant, New York health officials said.

People with heart or respiratory problems, children and the elderly can be especially sensitive to PM 2.5.

Exposure may cause short-term health effects including eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. Exposure to high levels of fine particles can also worsen medical conditions like asthma and heart disease, New York health officials said.

How to Limit Exposure to Dangerous Fire Smoke

As smoke floods cities, health departments across the United States are advising residents to limit their exposure to pollutants. Many ask people to stay indoors and avoid activities that make them breathe faster or deeper.

“The recommendation is to close the windows, turn on the air conditioners, turn on the air filters,” Dr. Aida Capo, a pulmonologist at Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center in New Jersey, told .

Since particles can find their way into homes, AirNow recommends that those in areas with high levels of particle pollution consider purchasing an air purifier.

For those who have to be outside, disposable respirators like the N-95 or P-100 will help if used correctly, AirNow says. Meanwhile, surgical masks, paper dust masks, scarves and bandanas will not protect the lungs from PM2.5.

A hazy sky hangs over Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 28, 2023. (Credit: Quinn Glabicki/Reuters)

Residents of affected areas are also advised to reduce strenuous physical activity.

“If you have to walk, walk, but I wouldn’t go for a run or a jog,” said Dr. Shilpa Patel, medical director of Children’s National IMPACT DC Asthma Clinic in Washington.

“Just be prudent with your decision to be outside,” he added. “And keep in mind that even if you go out and it doesn’t bother you, it could affect you later. Because these are small particles, they go deep into the airways and the response could be delayed a bit.”

— Meteorologist Taylor Ward, Dave Alsup and ‘s Joe Sutton contributed to this report.