Canadian Wildfires Create Hazardous Air Quality Conditions in Northeastern US

Intense smoke from wildfires in several Canadian provinces has covered the northeastern United States for a second day, prompting air quality alerts and advisories to stay indoors. The smoke is a result of hot, dry weather that has fueled the wildfires, which have been worsened by climate change. The smoke is composed of a complex mix of particles, including gases, carbons, toxic metals, and ozone, with small particles (PM 2.5) posing health risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as children and those with lung diseases. 

Key points: 

1. Wildfires in Canadian provinces have produced intense smoke that has reached the northeastern United States, causing poor air quality and prompting advisories to stay indoors.

2. Hot, dry weather and climate change have contributed to the severity and extent of the wildfires, leading to the production of significant amounts of smoke.

3. Strong winds in the atmosphere have transported the smoke over long distances, resulting in its widespread coverage across major U.S. cities.

4. The smoke contains a complex mix of particles, including gases, carbons, toxic metals, and ozone, with small particles (PM 2.5) posing health risks, especially for vulnerable individuals.

5. The advice to mitigate exposure to the smoke includes staying indoors, keeping doors and windows closed, using air conditioning with recirculation settings, and utilizing air filters to reduce particle levels indoors.
   

Read more at: https://apnews.com/article/canada-wildfires-air-quality-8af805b127ba4d4f5933463cf8fdc746