Wildfire smoke is like smoking 'half a pack a day.' Here's how to protect yourself
Summary
Smoke from wildfires in Canada has led to air quality alerts in the Midwest and Northeast U.S. Places like Michigan and New York are experiencing poor air quality due to the smoke. Breathing in this smoke is similar to smoking cigarettes and can affect health, particularly for people with existing health conditions.Key Facts
- Wildfire smoke from Canada is affecting air quality in parts of the Midwest and Northeast U.S.
- Michigan issued a statewide air quality advisory due to the smoke.
- Canada's current wildfire season is one of its worst on record, with nearly 4,000 fires so far this year.
- Breathing in wildfire smoke can be as harmful as smoking a quarter to half a pack of cigarettes per day.
- Poor air quality is especially dangerous for people with health issues like asthma or COPD.
- Emergency room visits for respiratory problems increase during wildfire smoke events.
- Research suggests long-term smoke exposure may increase the risk of health problems like dementia.
- Although U.S. air quality has improved over the last 20 years, wildfire smoke is impacting those gains.
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