Air Quality Alerts Hit 20 US States, Is Your City on the List?

As a layer of smoke from the raging wildfires of Canada engulfs the United States, millions of Americans find themselves vigilant due to the threatening air quality alerts issued on Wednesday morning.

Smoke bits from the wildfires have already burned and wiped out a record-breaking 19.5 million acres in Canada alone. These particles are now going southward, which causes air quality concerns in some US states.

With almost 500 active wildfires in Canada, including more than 250 that are uncontrollable, the situation shows no sign of easing down. The recent wave of unhealthy air quality due to the Canadian wildfires are concentrated over a particular area extending from Wisconsin to Kentucky.

Current storms with tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds have added to the smoke’s concentration in the region. In addition, the average level of winds in the atmosphere contributes to the smoke’s transportation to reach the eastern and midwestern parts of the US.

Air quality is even worse Wednesday than it was on Tuesday. People are encouraged to stay indoors as much as they can. https://t.co/v03x3UxNSF

— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) June 28, 2023

However, the smoke that’s stagnant out of the Deep South due to the heat index has been causing intense heat for weeks. The coming of widespread thunderstorms and rain showers on Friday is expected to reduce the smoke in the affected areas.

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Cities Affected by Air Quality Alerts

In connection with the current air quality alerts, health officers are advising the public in these affected areas to take precautions and protect their well-being. Check if your area is included on the air quality alert.

• Minneapolis
• Detroit
• Washington
• Chicago
• Indianapolis
• Atlanta
• St.Louis
• Kansas City
• New York
• Green Bay
• Des Moines
• Pittsburgh
• Raleigh
• Minnesota
• Birmingham
• Philadelphia
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• North Carolina
• Georgia

While most of the smoke from the wildfires is mainly affecting the Eastern and Midwestern parts of the US, some regions in the further west area are also experiencing its effects.

Photo Credit: ABC News

Residents from major cities like Detroit, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Washington, DC, should expect to see the smoke. New York City may also experience some impact, but the majority of the smoke is expected to stay in the western New York area, Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey.

Furthermore, the air quality in Chicago has also worsened to the Air Quality Index’s “very unhealthy” category. On Tuesday afternoon, the AQI in Chicago arrived at a threshold of 250, which is way above the considered unhealthy for sensitive individuals.

On Tuesday afternoon, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a warning and urged teens, children, seniors, pregnant women, and individuals with lung or heart diseases to limit their outdoor activities.

The Impact of Poor Air Quality on Health

Inhalation and exposure to poor air quality, especially from wildfire smoke, can cause serious implications. The microscopic elements of the smoke can seep deep into the lungs. Thus, it can lead to respiratory problems, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.

In addition, individuals with pre-existing heart disease, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and children are the most vulnerable. Health officials advise wearing masks when going out, limiting activities outside, running air purifiers, and closing their windows.

https://twitter.com/denise_dewald/status/1674084420683218946?s=20

The director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at St. Joseph’s Health, Dr. Bob Lahita, shared, “The particulate matter that’s in this haze is significant because it does irritate the bronchioles or the small tubes that go down into your lungs and connect to the alveoli, which are the sacs that allow you to breathe.”

He added, “That gets irritated in people without asthma, but if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, or anything that involves your lungs or even your heart, you should stay indoors.”

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Efforts to Improve Air Quality and Address the Wildfires

If the Canadian wildfires persist, the dispersion of the smoke plumes is likely to continue in the US. These wildfires are imminent and at peak from June and August.

To keep up with these challenges, joint efforts between the US and Canada are in place to address the root causes of these wildfires.

Researchers and government agencies are collaborating to form sustainable wildfire management tactics and raise awareness about the significance of lowering emissions.

As air quality alerts are up in the 20 states of the US, Americans are closely monitoring the skies. The effect on air quality is a clear reminder of the connection between regions and the urgent need for action to reduce the effects of climate change and reduce the growing threat of wildfires.

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