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Nearly 100 million on alert from Texas and Midwest to Northeast for wildfire smoke in Canada

2023-06-07T14:02:26.383Z

Highlights: Medical experts advise how to protect yourself from the health damage caused by this pollution. New York City has entered the list of the worst air quality in the world, submerged in an apocalyptic-looking haze that dyes the sky orange. More than 400 fires are still burning in Canada, according to local authorities, who describe the situation as "serious" and describe this crisis as "the most serious that the country has ever suffered" The forecast for the coming months indicates that a higher than usual level of fires may continue, the Canadian government adds.


Medical experts advise how to protect yourself from the health damage caused by this pollution, which has generated an apocalyptic atmosphere in cities like New York.


By Berkeley Lovelace Jr. - NBC News

Nearly 100 million people are under alert Wednesday for poor air quality in 18 states, from the Midwest and Texas to the Northeast, due to smoke from wildfires that have raged across eastern Canada for weeks. New York City, for example, has entered the list of the worst air quality in the world, submerged in an apocalyptic-looking haze that dyes the sky orange.

Smoke engulfs New York buildings, in an image taken from the Empire State Building on June 6, 2023.Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

More than 400 fires are still burning in Canada, according to local authorities, who describe the situation as "serious" and describe this crisis as "the most serious that the country has ever suffered." The forecast for the coming months also indicates that a higher than usual level of fires may continue, the Canadian government adds.

On Tuesday night, New York recorded the worst air quality in the world, surpassing the previous record from July 2002. The municipal government recommended limiting activity abroad.

What are the causes of this pollution?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the Air Quality Index to report air quality. It ranges from 0 to over 300, and levels 50 and below are considered the healthiest. When levels exceed 150, the general population may begin to experience symptoms.

New York, June 6, 2023.Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

Natural disasters, such as these wildfires, often lead to spikes in poor air quality in the short term, when smoke, which contains carbon monoxide and other dangerous chemicals, enters the atmosphere.

But there are other sources of pollution, such as internal combustion vehicles and carbon emissions. According to Purvi Parikh, a doctor with the Allergy & Asthma Network, an advocacy group for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions, poor air quality can be caused by any suspended particle, the inhalation of which is harmful to a person.

"They can be harmful because, if inhaled, these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs," Parikh said.

How can it affect our health?

Pollution from wildfire smoke can make it difficult for young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions to breathe, says Wynne Armand, a doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital. It also causes irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and risk of respiratory infection.

Times Square, New York, on June 6. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

In the longer term, exposure to air pollution is associated with several chronic conditions, including:

  • Severe asthma
  • Preterm births
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Lung cancer
  • Dementia
  • Lowest IQ in children

Smoke can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, as they tend to have lower breathing capacity due to their growing belly, Parikh explains.

How can I protect myself from polluted air?

Experts advise regularly checking air quality alerts. AirNow.gov, the EPA's website, allows tracking by zip code. In addition, many cell phones have apps that monitor air quality.

Brady Scott, a member of the American Respiratory Care Association, recommends staying indoors as much as possible in these crisis cases, and closing doors and windows. Outdoor exercise can cause stress on the lungs.

Sunrise on June 7 in New York City.Gary Hershorn/Corbis News via Getty Images

People with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should pay close attention to any symptoms they may develop, Scott added, and should make sure they have their usual medications, such as inhalers, on hand or that they haven't expired.

"People know their bodies very well. If they see some changes that they think are related to unhealthy air, they may want to contact a doctor," Scott suggested.

Parikh advised people to keep their homes well ventilated. People who need to go outside can wear an N95-type mask, which helps filter particles from the air, he said.

"Believe it or not, masks, just like we did with COVID-19, can be useful to act as a barrier and reduce the amount of particles you breathe," he said.

Armand recommended not dusting or mowing the lawn on days when the air quality is poor. Lighting candles or using a gas stove can also contribute to worsening quality on those days.

The Statue of Liberty on June 6. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

People should seek medical attention if they experience coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain or wheezing or hear a wheezing sound in their chest, Parikh said.

Is it harmful to pets?

Without a doubt, Parikh stressed. "Other mammals suffer from many of the same lung conditions as humans," he said. Therefore, Scott adds, they should keep their dogs and other animals indoors as much as possible.

"If they're outside, running around or spending most of their time outside, there's likely to be some irritation to their breathing, airways and lungs," he said.

Source: telemundo

All news articles on 2023-06-07

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