The deadliest wildfires reported in eastern Canada have ignited, exposing millions of Americans to dangerous air quality levels.
Federal officials said last week that more than 6.7 million acres have already burned in Canada in 2023, marking the start of one of the worst wildfire seasons. More than 150 fires have broken out in Quebec, forcing the evacuation of about 14,000 people, CBC News reported. Firefighters put out a wildfire in Nova Scotia on Sunday, but another is still burning out of control over nearly 100 square miles, according to the Associated Press. said.
Wildfires from Quebec and Nova Scotia have clouded the skies from the Ohio Valley to North and South Carolina. Air pollution advisories are in place starting Monday for parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, southeastern Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources tweeted Monday afternoon, “Today’s Air Pollution Advisory was extended for the entire state of Wisconsin and ended at 11:59 p.m. due to smoke from wildfires originating in Canada.”
The Minnesota Pollution Control Department tweeted that the Quebec wildfires “continue to burn in central and southeastern Minnesota today due to very low winds.” The agency added that evening thunderstorms should improve air quality by dispersing smoke particles.
Americans in the Midwest and Northeast will receive air quality alerts in their area, especially for “sensitive groups” such as the elderly, children and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. Did.
Health risks from air pollution from wildfire smoke continue to worsen. A Stanford University study released last fall found that the number of people who experienced at least one day of poor air quality due to smoke has more than doubled over the past decade.
Air pollution can cause inflammation, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of asthma, lung cancer, and other chronic lung diseases.
Map: Wildfires and Smoke Impact of US and Canada
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