Massive and intense wildfires in Canada have covered the northeastern US in a haze, stretching from Boston down to New York City. The air is thick, smells smokey and the sun is eerie and red.
Why is the sky so hazy?
The state Department of Environmental Protection issued a statewide air quality alert this week due to smoke from hundreds of wildfires, burning across Canada’s western provinces to Quebec, that affected much of the Northeast. The Quebec-area fires are big and relatively close, about 500 to 600 miles (roughly 800 to 970 kilometers) away from Rhode Island.
The Environmental Protection Agency says hazy skies, reduced visibility and the odor of burning wood are likely, and that the smoke will linger for a few days in northern states.
According to the Boston Globe, in the case of wildfires – especially events like these when there are hundreds – the burning effects of trees, grass, and other material can release chemicals and particles that can affect air quality.
Dr. Jeremy Weinberger, a pulmonary and critical care physician at Tufts Medical Center, told the Globe that particulate matter is of most concern. 20 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair, small particulate matter can be particularly harmful to our lungs and is being carried down into the state along with the smoke from the Canadian wildfires.
More sun photos from this afternoon’s hazy skies brought about by smoke from the Canadian wildfires. Taken from the suburbs of Boston. #CanadianWildfires #AirPollution #AirQuality #Sun pic.twitter.com/PouSnWa54w
— Imelda and Edwin (@Edwelda) June 6, 2023
Will the poor air quality affect me?
It could. You probably want to skip that run today, or any other outdoor exercise like heavy yard work. If you do go out, an N95 mask will reduce your exposure to pollutants in the air. In your home, set your air conditioner to recirculation mode and turn on any air purifiers you have.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued a statewide air quality alert that runs through midnight, June 7.
The MassDEP says that sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers, and people who are active outdoors. People with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to ozone.
If you’re sensitive to respiratory issues or have asthma, you’re advised to reduce outdoor activity, take breaks if you need to and keep your inhaler handy. Everyone should watch for coughing and shortness of breath.
For further air quality updates, forecasts and real-time data, go to MassDEP’s MassAir website.