Canadian Wildfires Cause Unhealthy Air Quality and Health Hazards in Eastern US and Midwest

Air pollution from the ongoing Canadian wildfires has reached deadly levels in the East and Midwest of the United States. This week, New York City saw some of the worst air quality in the world, while Cleveland and Detroit also experienced hazardous levels of pollution. Dr. Ravi Kalhan, a pulmonologist at Northwestern Medicine, likened the situation to New Yorkers smoking a box of cigarettes per day. 

Dr. Keith Brenner, a pulmonary and critical care doctor at Hackensack University Medical Center, told NPR that even brief exposure to smoking may be deadly, especially for patients who already have lung problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Exposure to particulate matter, the microscopic particles that make up pollution, causes itchy eyes, sore throats, headaches, and sometimes nausea. Particles of a diameter of 2.5 microns or less can enter lung tissue and trigger severe exacerbations in those who already have lung illnesses. In extreme cases, hospitalization may be necessary. 

Smoke particle pollution is also linked to an increased risk of hospitalization for serious cardiovascular events such as heart failure, stroke, heart attack, and death. The Environmental Protection Agency and others have conducted research that show the negative consequences of such exposure on cardiovascular health. 

Pregnant women and children, particularly those with asthma, are particularly vulnerable to wildfire smoke. Because of their smaller airways and faster breathing rate, children are more exposed to the inflammatory effects of contaminated air. Pregnant women should take extra precautions to restrict their exposure to polluted air on days when levels are very high, as it can harm fetal development. 

Staying informed on the air quality in one’s community may help decrease the risks associated with harmful air pollution. The EPA’s airnow.gov website has a color-coded meter that displays current air quality levels. If the air quality is poor, spend as much time as possible inside, with the windows and doors closed.

To thoroughly filter the air within the home, a rolled-up towel can be used to fill the area beneath the door, and if air purifiers are available, they should be set to their highest level. If you don’t have access to a good air purifier, a HEPA filter plus a box fan may lower indoor air pollution by half. 

Avoid using a gas stove, vacuuming, and burning candles, all of which decrease indoor air quality. Drinking enough of water can help alleviate symptoms of dry mouth, throat, and eyes. Outdoor activity should be avoided during periods of poor air quality due to increased breathing depth and potential exposure to more airborne particles. 

When going outside, it is essential to wear protective clothing. High-quality, well-fitting respirator masks, such as N95 or KN95 masks, are recommended for optimum smoke particle filtering.

Although surgical or cotton masks offer some protection, N95 masks, when worn properly and without air leakage at the edges, may filter out 95% of smoke particles. Given the ongoing effects of Canadian wildfires on air quality across the nation, adhering to these principles can significantly reduce the risks associated with even brief exposure to wildfire smoke.