Millions of people in the Midwest United States are currently experiencing serious problems with their air quality. That’s because smoke from wildfires in eastern Canada has spread across the region, causing hazy skies and poor wind conditions. Smoke has spread from the Ohio Valley to the Carolinas, affecting a large area.
Wildfires in Canada have been especially intense this year in the provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia. More than 6.7 million acres of land have already burned, and the situation is still ongoing. In Quebec alone, about 14,000 people had to evacuate their homes, and more than 150 fires are still active.
Smoke from these wildfires is moving toward the northeastern United States and settling into the Midwest. As a result, air quality advisories have been issued in many areas, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Breathing in the tiny particles found in smoke can cause cardiovascular problems and increase the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung cancer.
This issue highlights the long-term risks associated with wildfires, particularly in the context of climate change. Warmer and drier conditions due to climate change are contributing to the increase in forest fires and their intensity. The effects of these fires are not limited to the areas where they occur but can also affect areas downstream.
The Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, among other agencies, provides an interactive map called AirNow, which allows users to monitor air quality and track active fire locations. It helps people assess local conditions and potential hazards.
It is critical for both the U.S. and Canada to address this air pollution crisis together, as wildfires and their aftermath recognize no borders. Cooperation in adapting measures to combat climate change and prevent and manage forest fires is essential to protect the health and well-being of people in both countries.