Heavy smoke from large wildfires in Canada and Minnesota is expected to engulf the Midwest and Northeast US, exposing millions to hazardous air pollution. Minnesota officials issued an air quality alert from Tuesday through Friday for areas including the Twin Cities metro area, with very heavy smoke expected across the state’s northeastern corner.
Air Quality Concerns
Air quality levels in northeast Minnesota were expected to reach hazardous levels, making it unsafe for everyone. Dan Westervelt, associate professor at Columbia University’s Climate School, said severe drought conditions combined with heat have created a perfect storm for wildfires to burn.
People should stay indoors as much as possible to avoid extreme heat and smoke, said Tyler Hasenstein, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, or fatigue and aggravate heart and lung diseases.
Multiple counties in western and central New York were under an air quality advisory, and the most intense smoke could spread as far south as Washington, D.C. by midday Thursday. Experts suggest reducing outdoor activities, wearing an N95 mask if outside, and keeping indoor air cleaner by closing windows and running an air purifier or air conditioner.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
