Canadian Wildfires Cause Hazardous Air Quality Across Eastern United States

As a result of the Canadian wildfires, large parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic in the eastern United States are experiencing poor air quality due to a thick veil of wildfire smoke.

The Extent of the Smoke and Dangerous Air Pollution

The smoke, which contains fine particles hazardous to breathe, has prompted air quality alerts for tens of millions of people from Baltimore to Boston to Burlington, and measurements show that even larger areas, including Minneapolis and Washington, D.C., are affected.

The Record-Breaking Nature of the Smoke Episode

Air quality measurements have been the worst on record in some places. Wildfire smoke particle data indicate that this event is one of the near-worst or worst in the last two decades or so. The predicted “heat dome,” or zone of high pressure, brought sinking air and warm, dry conditions that led to the wildfires. Meanwhile, low pressure swirling clockwise over Nova Scotia is making for a conveyor belt of northerly winds that is pumping the smoke south over the Great Lakes, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic.

The Source of the Smoke and the Number of Wildfires

The source of much of the smoke is Quebec, Canada, where over 240 wildfires are out of control. Across Canada, there are 416 active fires. The outbreak occurred beneath a well-predicted “heat dome,” or zone of high pressure, which brought sinking air and warm, dry conditions that broke records for the time of year and location.

Indianapolis Affected by Smoke from Canadian Wildfires

Indianapolis is one of the many cities affected by the smoky conditions caused by the wildfires in Canada. The National Weather Service warned that the smoke is expected to linger into Tuesday evening, and once higher in the atmosphere, it will have less of an impact on the ground. The smoky conditions can cause irritation for people with asthma or other respiratory issues.

Air Quality Impacts and Health Risks

Canadian wildfires have caused hazy skies from the Ohio Valley to North Carolina and South Carolina. Parts of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, southeastern Minnesota, and all of Wisconsin have had air quality advisories in effect this week. Sensitive groups such as older adults, children, or people with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to air quality issues. Air pollution can cause inflammation, weaken someone’s immune system, and increase the risk of asthma, lung cancer, or other chronic lung diseases.

Knozone Action Day in Indianapolis

In Indianapolis, a Knozone Action Day was declared by the city’s Office of Sustainability on June 3 when ozone or fine particulate matter levels rise above certain thresholds in the city. The fires in Canada have caused hazy skies in some areas and unhealthy air quality levels in large parts of the eastern United States.

Status of the Canadian Wildfires

So far, more than 6.7 million Canadian acres have burned in 2023, marking one of the worst starts to wildfire season. Over 150 fires have caused around 14,000 people to evacuate Quebec. Federal officials have declared that there are still many fires out of control.

Conclusion

The hazardous air quality caused by the Canadian wildfires, and the resulting smoky conditions in the eastern United States and Canada, is a reminder of the large-scale impact that wildfires can have on human health and wellbeing. It also highlights the importance of mitigating climate change and taking proactive measures to prevent future catastrophic wildfires.

FAQs

How does wildfire smoke affect health?

Smoke from wildfires can cause eye and respiratory irritations, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Fine particles found in the smoke can trigger asthma, heart attacks, and strokes, even for healthy people.

What is a Knozone Action Day?

Knozone Action Days are declared when ozone or fine particulate matter levels rise above certain thresholds in the city. The days are designed to remind residents of the health risks of poor air quality, particularly for those who are sensitive to pollution.

What can I do to protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Staying indoors, closing windows, and using an air conditioner with a filter can help. Wearing masks that filter out fine particles can also reduce exposure. Limiting physical activities or outings can reduce exposure to smoke.

What are the causes of wildfires?

Wildfires are often caused by natural factors such as lightning strikes, but human activity, such as campfires, cigarettes, or the unsafe disposal of flammable materials play a significant role. Climate change has also played a role in the increase in the frequency and scale of wildfires in recent years.

What measures can be taken to prevent wildfires?

Preventative measures include managing forest fuels, identifying and correcting high-risk areas, and public education campaigns reminding people of safe fire practices. Climate change mitigation is also a crucial preventative measure since it reduces the frequency and intensity of drought, which is the primary driver of wildfires.