There are currently more than 160 forest fires raging throughout the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario, causing smoke to spread across the northeast.
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An estimated 98 million people in both the U.S. and Canada are now under air quality alerts.
According to the New York Times, the air quality in New York City yesterday briefly ranked as the worst in the world, with the Environmental Protection Agency ranked the air 218 on their Air Quality Index. A number over 200 on the Air Quality Index is considered to be “very unhealthy.”
Reports from the Plymouth County Observer say that the smoke has traveled more than 500 miles, leading to air quality alerts for the rest of Wednesday, June 7 for New England. Now, as many states enter their second day under hazy skies, NYC Mayor Eric Adams has said that those living in the city should “limit their outdoor activities,” especially if they have respiratory issues. Ten school districts in New York canceled outdoor activities including athletics and outdoor gym classes and recesses.
According to the World Health Organization, 4.2 million premature deaths were caused by air pollution in 2019. Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5, the most dangerous particulate in the world.
Are the wildfires impacting your outdoor activities? Let us know how you’re adapting in the comments below.
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