Wildfire smoke from Canada is affecting air quality across the Northeast U.S. and Upper Midwest, with Michigan under a state advisory. Nearly 4,000 fires have been recorded in Canada this year, marking the second worst wildfire season on record. Breathing in this smoke poses health risks, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions, with emergency room visits for respiratory issues increasing. The air quality index (AQI) indicates pollution level, with higher numbers reflecting more health risks. On days with high AQI, exposure levels may equate to smoking multiple cigarettes.
The health risks of breathing wildfire smoke are significant, with exposure compared to smoking a lot of cigarettes, according to pulmonologist May-Lin Wilgus.
Canada is experiencing its second worst wildfire season on record, with nearly 4,000 fires reported this year, worsening air quality across the U.S.
Emergency room visits for respiratory issues like asthma and COPD increase dramatically during wildfire smoke events, underscoring the serious health implications of smoke exposure.
On smoky days, AQI levels reaching 100 to 200 indicate that the exposure to pollutants resembles smoking a quarter to half a pack of cigarettes daily.
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