In Canada, there are several wildfires causing dangerous air quality levels. This has resulted in tens of millions of people in North America being warned about the risks.
A thick layer of smoke covered vast regions of Ontario and Quebec, and a hazy orange atmosphere lingered over a significant portion of the north-eastern United States until Wednesday. The air quality in Toronto and New York deteriorated significantly overnight, making them briefly among the cities with the most severe pollution in the world.
A significant amount of smoke is originating from Quebec, where a total of 160 fires are currently ablaze.
Officials from Canada have stated that the nation is on track to experience its most severe wildfire season in history.
Specialists have identified that the trend is caused by a spring season that is warmer and drier compared to the usual conditions. It is forecasted that these circumstances will persist throughout the summer season.
On Tuesday, Ottawa was given a severe air quality warning by Environment Canada, stating that it poses a significant threat to the health of individuals.
The air quality in Toronto and its nearby regions was identified as being of a "high risk" level.
The air quality in a large portion of the north-east has been deemed "unhealthy" by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), particularly for those individuals who already suffer from respiratory problems.
Approximately 100 million individuals throughout North America are believed to be under some type of alert regarding air quality.
The city of New York was covered in a hazy orange layer that obscured famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty.
Mayor Eric Adams has announced that all outdoor activities in public schools of the city have been suspended until further notice. He has also cautioned that the situation is likely to worsen later today.
He advised that people in New York should try to limit their outdoor activities as much as they can.
According to people living in the city, the scent of smoke in the air was reminiscent of a bonfire during the early hours of Wednesday.
The air quality in Washington DC was categorized as "code red" on Wednesday morning, indicating a severe level of pollution. At the same time, Detroit was ranked fifth globally for having high levels of air pollution according to IQAir’s rankings.
Health experts are advising individuals to avoid outdoor workouts and limit their contact with smoke due to the harmful effects on both short-term and long-term health.
The declining air quality has resulted in the transfer of people with asthma and other respiratory problems from the smoke in the Atikamekw community of Opitciwan, which is located 217 miles north of Montreal in Quebec.
The wildfires in Canada have already destroyed over 3.3 million hectares of land, which is 12 times more than the average amount for this time of year over the past decade.
Numerous individuals have been forced to leave their homes and relocate to safer areas
Apart from Quebec, there have been significant wildfires occurring in various Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories.
The probability of wildfires is heightened by the hot and dry weather that is likely to result from climate change.
Since the start of the industrial era, the Earth’s temperature has increased by approximately 1.2C. This trend will continue unless governments globally take significant measures to reduce emissions.
What impact does inhaling wildfire smoke have on your health? Health professionals report that being exposed to wildfire smoke can lead to an array of health problems.
According to Matthew Adams, who is the director of the Centre of Urban Environments at the University of Toronto, inhaling wildfire smoke can lead to various immediate health issues such as difficulty in breathing, increased heartbeat, chest discomfort, and inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat.
According to Professor Adams, when the air pollution level is high, more people tend to go to the hospital. These individuals usually have respiratory illnesses that existed prior to their hospital visit.
According to Professor Adams, the smoke from wildfires can cause severe health problems that can last a long time, such as cancer or lung disease. These health issues are more likely to affect individuals who reside in regions that frequently experience forest fires.
According to him, the smoke haze contains tiny particles that can penetrate the human body’s bloodstream and other organs, leading to potential health problems such as DNA mutations.
According to Professor Adams, research has indicated that extended exposure to smoke from wildfires can have an impact on both pregnant women and their fetuses.
Prof. Adams has recommended that individuals residing in cities that are not close to the fires but are currently experiencing air advisories should restrict their outdoor activities to prevent inhaling the smoke generated by wildfires.
He advised, "Don’t worry about it too much. Just remain indoors and limit your contact with it."
Prof Adams suggested that people residing in areas where wildfires are occurring should wear an N95 mask while outdoors to prevent inhaling the majority of the smoke particles.
Other subjects of interest include the following topic. Additional information regarding this story suggests that Canada may experience the most severe wildfire season
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