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The forest fires that have broken out in Canada are affecting air quality in practically the entire state of New York, as the New York authorities warned on Tuesday.
"The state Department of the Environment has issued a health advisory for today as smoke from the wildfires in Canada is affecting the air in New York City," the city's Health Department warned in a statement.
The state of New York, located in the northeast of the United States, borders Canada to the north.
New York City health officials have called on New Yorkers to limit outdoor activity, warning that "people with heart or respiratory problems, children and older people may be especially sensitive."
State authorities have warned that between 12:00 noon and midnight today the air quality in all regions of the state will not be healthy for sensitive people.
According to the air quality measurement scale, this is at level 3, with 1 being “good” and 6 “dangerous”.
The far west is the only region where air quality levels remain moderate.
Level of air pollution
The New York Times article highlights the concern associated with a rising Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is a measure that indicates the level of air pollution and its potential impact on human health. When the AQI number starts to rise, it suggests that air quality is deteriorating, which can have adverse effects on people.
Microscopic particles, often referred to as particulates, can be inhaled and travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
These particles have the potential to cause inflammation and weaken the immune system. Therefore, when the AQI increases, it indicates an increase in these harmful particles in the air, posing a risk to people's health.
In the case mentioned, the article explains that smoke from the wildfires in Canada drifted south to New York City, resulting in a significant increase in AQI.
A few days before, the AQI was around 15, which is considered good. However, with the advent of smoke, the AQI skyrocketed to 187, indicating a significant decrease in air quality.
The article predicts that the AQI is expected to decline the next day, falling to around 105, which would classify the air quality as unhealthy for sensitive groups. Over the next few days, it is forecast to drop further into the "moderate" yellow range, implying relatively better but still suboptimal air quality.
Wildfires in Canada, particularly concentrated in areas north of Ottawa, are the primary source of the smoke affecting New York City. Environment and Climate Change Canada Senior Meteorologist Katrina Eyk explains that the smoke is moving from Quebec to southern Ontario. She anticipates that the plume could move directly over the Greater Toronto Area, causing poor air conditions.
"Scary" situation
On Monday there were 413 active fires in Canada according to the country's authorities, who warned that climate change will make this one of the worst fire seasons in living memory.
A situation that the country's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, did not hesitate to describe as "terrifying" in a press appearance that he gave together with six ministers to underline the seriousness of the problem.
According to data provided by the Government of Canada, the country is registering an unusual number of fires for this time, which have already forced the evacuation of 26,206 people.
So far in 2023, there have been 2,214 forest fires, which have consumed more than three million hectares of forest, when the average in the last decade was 1,624 fires and 254,429 hectares consumed, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
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