New York City’s air quality reached hazardous levels on Tuesday as smoke from over a hundred wildfires in Quebec drifted southward. The city’s air quality index surpassed 150, indicating “unhealthy” conditions for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory issues. This alarming pollution ranking persisted throughout the day, with New York City remaining among the top five cities worldwide with the worst air pollution. Dhaka, Bangladesh; Jakarta, Indonesia; and New Delhi, India were the other cities on the list, according to IQair.

School Districts Cancel Outdoor Activities as Air Quality Deteriorates

In response to the deteriorating air quality, several school districts in central New York state canceled outdoor activities and events. These cancellations included academic, athletic, and extracurricular events. They also canceled outdoor recess and gym classes. The decision aimed to safeguard the health of students and staff amidst the hazardous conditions caused by the smoke.

Wildfire Smoke and Its Health Hazards

Wildfire smoke consists of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which poses a significant health risk. These tiny pollutants can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream upon inhalation. PM2.5 originates from various sources, including the burning of fossil fuels, dust storms, and wildfires. Exposure to this pollution has been associated with asthma, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and other health problems. Shockingly, millions of people die each year due to air pollution-related health issues. Furthermore, fine particulate matter is responsible for around 4.2 million premature deaths in 2016, as reported by the World Health Organization.

New York City’s Air Quality Exceeds WHO Guidelines

On Tuesday, the concentration of PM2.5 in New York City’s air exceeded the guideline set by the World Health Organization by more than tenfold. The visible presence or smell of smoke indicated exposure to harmful pollutants. William Barrett, the national senior director of clean air advocacy with the American Lung Association, emphasized the importance of staying indoors during high pollution episodes. Particularly, he highlighted the significance of this precautionary measure for vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, pregnant individuals, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. Barrett urged people to monitor their health and seek medical attention if any concerning symptoms arise.

Alarming Wildfire Situation in Quebec

Quebec witnessed over 150 active wildfires this week, surpassing the number of fires in any other Canadian province. In 2023 alone, Quebec has experienced nearly 400 wildfires, which is twice the average for this time of year. Approximately 9 million acres burned across Canada, with Quebec accounting for almost half a million acres of damage.  The repercussions of these fires extend beyond the region, as air quality alerts were issued across the Northeast and Midwest, with Detroit and Chicago being affected by the spread of wildfire smoke.

Air Quality Warnings and Impacted Cities

Various regions are receiving air quality alerts due to the westward spread of wildfire smoke. The National Weather Service in Chicago issued a cautionary statement, stating that ozone and particulate levels were anticipated to reach or surpass the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category on the air quality index. Detroit was among the top ten worst locations for air pollution, according to IQair. Pittsburgh experienced unhealthy air quality levels, with a temporary improvement expected on Wednesday. Parts of New York and New England, including major cities such as Baltimore, Boston, Hartford, Providence, and Montpelier, remained under air quality alerts.

Climate Change and the Impact on Wildfires

Human-caused climate change, which exacerbates hot and dry conditions ideal for fire ignition and growth, is attributing to the increase in severe wildfires. Scientists have linked carbon pollution from major fossil fuel and cement companies to the devastation of millions of acres burned in Western US and Canada. The smoke generated from these fires can travel vast distances, endangering millions more individuals downstream. The global warming crisis directly contributes to unsafe conditions leading to widespread wildfires and their far-reaching consequences.

Right Celebrity readers in the New York City area, be safe!