According to foxweather.com , the ominous wildfire smoke from hundreds of fires burning across Canada will continue to send smoke into the United States, creating more air quality concerns for the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast.
The wildfire smoke that billowed into the northeastern United States around the beginning of the month has had a significant impact on people in the region. The smoke has caused poor air quality, which has led to an increase in health-related emergencies.
How did the fires in Canada start?
Dry, hot weather produces more lightning along with slight increases in average temperatures that have proven to also have major consequences. In a normal season, half of Canada’s wildfires are started by lightning, but those fires account for more than 85% of wildfire destruction. The other half are human-caused.
Health-Related Emergencies
As the smoke road along the atmospheric jet stream earlier this month, the number of health-related emergencies has increased significantly in the northeastern United States since the wildfire smoke began to arrive. In New York City, for example, the number of emergency room visits for asthma and other respiratory problems increased by 50% on June 6, the day after the smoke began to arrive. In Boston, the number of emergency room visits for asthma and other respiratory problems increased by 30% on the same day.
The increase in health-related emergencies has been particularly pronounced among children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. In New York City, for example, the number of emergency room visits for asthma among children under the age of 18 increased by 100% on June 6.
Demographics of People Involved in Emergencies
The demographics of people involved in health-related emergencies due to the wildfire smoke have been varied. However, some groups have been more affected than others. For example, children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions have been particularly vulnerable.
Children are more vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke because their lungs are still developing. The elderly are also more vulnerable because their lungs are not as efficient at filtering out pollutants. People with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are also more vulnerable because their lungs are already inflamed.
How to Protect Yourself from Toxic Wildfire Smoke
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from the effects of wildfire smoke. These include:
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- If you must go outside, wear a mask that can filter out small particles.
- N95 masks: These masks are the most effective at filtering out smoke and other pollutants. They are made of a special material that traps particles as small as 0.3 microns. N95 masks are available at most hardware stores and pharmacies.
- Respirators: Respirators are similar to N95 masks, but they offer even more protection. They are designed to protect workers from hazardous materials, and they can be used to filter out smoke and other pollutants. Respirators are available at some hardware stores and pharmacies, but they may require a prescription from a doctor.
- Cloth masks: Cloth masks are not as effective as N95 masks or respirators, but they can still provide some protection from smoke. They are made of a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and flannel. Cloth masks can be found at most stores, including grocery stores, department stores, and online retailers.
*It is also important to make sure that your mask fits properly. A loose-fitting mask will not be effective at filtering out smoke. To make sure your mask fits properly, follow the instructions that come with the mask.*
- Avoid strenuous activity when the air quality is poor.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Take breaks from the smoke every 20-30 minutes.
If you experience any health problems after being exposed to wildfire smoke, seek medical attention immediately.
The Canadian wildfire smoke is a serious problem that is having a significant impact on people in the northeastern United States. By taking steps to protect yourself, you can help to reduce your risk of health problems.