Why is it so smoky outside? Canada wildfires lead to air-quality alerts in northeastern US

Intense wildfires in Canada have caused a smoky haze to engulf the northeastern United States, leading to air-quality concerns and alerts for vulnerable populations to remain indoors.

The impact of numerous wildfires burning across western Canadian provinces, stretching all the way to Quebec, has been felt as far as New York City and New England. The resulting haze has obscured skylines and caused throat irritation.

Authorities in the United States have issued air quality alerts, with hazy conditions and smoke reported across the Great Lakes region from Cleveland to Buffalo.

The smoky haze in New York City on Tuesday intensified throughout the day, obstructing views of New Jersey across the Hudson River and giving the setting sun a reddish hue. At times, there was a faint smell of burning in the air. In the Philadelphia area, the haze took on a lavender tint during dusk.

Although smoke from the wildfires has been present in northeastern states for weeks, it has only recently become noticeable in most places.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul remarked on the unmistakable hazy skies, while Mayor Eric Adams advised residents of New York City to limit outdoor activities to essential ones.

Let’s take a closer look at the situation and recommended precautions for dealing with the haze:

What’s happening?

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has been spreading into the United States since the previous month. The most recent fires near Quebec have been burning for several days.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warned of hazy skies, reduced visibility, and the smell of burning wood. The smoke is expected to linger for a few days in northern states.

Darren Austin, a meteorologist and senior air quality specialist with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, explained that receiving smoke from fires in northwest Canada is not unusual. However, it typically remains high in the atmosphere and doesn’t affect people’s health. The Quebec-area fires are larger and relatively closer, about 500 to 600 miles (roughly 800 to 970 kilometers) away from Rhode Island. They were preceded by wildfires in Nova Scotia, which prompted a brief air quality alert on May 30.

Jay Engle, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, mentioned that the wind pattern allowing the smoke and hazy conditions to reach the New York City area may continue for the next few days. Ultimately, the extent of the haze will depend on the intensity of the fires. If they subside, the haze will also dissipate.

What’s the primary concern?

The smoke contains fine particles known as “PM 2.5,” which can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation.

Dr. David Hill, a pulmonologist and member of the American Lung Association’s National Board of Directors, explained that these particles are small enough to bypass the body’s natural defense mechanisms in the upper airway and trigger an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory system.

Trent Ford, the state climatologist in Illinois, highlighted how the atmospheric conditions in the upper Midwest, characterized by dry and warm weather, allow small particulates to travel hundreds of miles from the Canadian wildfires and linger in the air for days. This situation demonstrates the complexity and interconnectedness of the climate system.

Who should be cautious?

The air quality alerts specifically caution “sensitive groups,” including children, older adults, and individuals with lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Children are particularly vulnerable to smoke due to their developing lungs and higher inhalation rate in relation to body weight.

What can you do for now?

It is advisable to postpone any outdoor activities, including yard work and exercise. If you need to go outside, wearing an N95 mask can help reduce exposure to pollutants.

Stay indoors and keep doors, windows, and fireplaces closed. Running the air conditioning on recirculation mode is recommended.

Dr. Hill emphasized the importance of using high-quality filters for home HVAC systems. Individuals with underlying lung or heart diseases may consider investing in air purifiers for their homes.

This report includes contributions from Katie Foody, a reporter at Big Big News based in Chicago.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about wildfires, air quality

More about wildfires, air quality

• Canadian province of Quebec looks for international support to fight wildfires
• Halifax residents board buses to view homes destroyed by wildfires
• Nova Scotia wildfires grow, prompt air quality warnings as far south as Virginia
• US Environmental Protection Agency – Wildfires
• American Lung Association – Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality