Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada has been spreading southward, causing poor air quality and health risks in parts of the U.S.
According to Environment Canada, more than 800 fires have been ignited in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba since June, fueled by record-breaking heat and drought. The smoke from these fires has reached as far as New York, Chicago and Washington D.C., creating hazy skies and triggering air quality alerts.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in some areas were unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as people with respiratory or heart conditions, older adults and children. The agency advised people to limit their outdoor activities, wear masks and check local air quality reports.
PM2.5 are tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation, asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks and strokes. Exposure to PM2.5 can also increase the risk of COVID-19 infections and complications, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Climate scientists have warned that wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming, which creates hotter and drier conditions. They have also said that smoke from wildfires can contribute to further warming by releasing greenhouse gases and absorbing solar radiation.
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported that 80 large fires were burning across 13 U.S. states as of June 29, affecting more than one million acres of land. The NIFC said that firefighting resources were stretched thin due to the high demand across the country.
