“Wildfire Smoke from Canada Reaches the East Coast: How Climate Change is Affecting Air Quality Across the US”
The United States is currently experiencing widespread air quality alerts due to smoke from hundreds of wildfires in Canada. Skylines from Maine to Maryland to Minnesota are gray and smoggy, and in some places, people are being advised to stay indoors. To understand what’s happening and why, we spoke with Peter De Carlo, an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
According to Professor De Carlo, there are a couple of factors contributing to the current situation. The first is the dry weather in both Canada and the US, which has created ideal conditions for wildfires to spread. The second is the weather patterns, which are channeling the smoke from Canada through Pennsylvania into the Mid Atlantic and Northeast regions of the US.
But what makes this smoke harmful? The answer lies in particulate matter, which are tiny particles smaller than the width of a human hair. These particles can enter the lungs and cause a range of health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, as well as neurological effects.
The current levels of particulate matter in the air are well above what is considered safe. In Baltimore, for example, the levels are reaching 150 micrograms per meter cubed, which is more than ten times the annual average and four times higher than the recommended 24-hour average. This high concentration of particles can have serious consequences for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions.
In response to the poor air quality, some cities, like New York, are taking precautions by canceling outdoor activities. This is especially concerning for parents and children, who may have been looking forward to enjoying the summer weather. But according to Professor De Carlo, the situation may improve as the weather patterns change and the smoke moves away from the affected areas.
Unfortunately, this type of air quality issue may become more common in the future due to the impacts of climate change. As the fire season starts earlier and lasts longer, and as we see more frequent and severe wildfires, we can expect to experience more widespread air quality alerts and health concerns.
In conclusion, the current air quality alerts in the US are a result of a combination of dry weather and specific weather patterns that are channeling smoke from Canadian wildfires into the country. The high levels of particulate matter in the air can have serious health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations. Climate change may make these types of events more common in the future. It is important for individuals and communities to stay informed and take precautions to protect their health during times of poor air quality.
