Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to negatively impact U.S. air quality
A number of states from Montana to Ohio have rated the air as "unhealthy."
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a warning Sunday about poor air quality in several states from Montana to Ohio due to smoke from Canadian wildfires that continues to reach the United States.
"Air Quality alerts are in place for much of the Great Lakes, Midwest, and northern High Plains, This is due to the lingering thick concentration of Canadian wildfire smoke over these regions. While the concentration of smoke in the atmosphere should begin to wain by Monday, there is still enough smoke to support unhealthy air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups in parts of these regions into the start of the upcoming week," the U.S. National Weather Service said in a statement.
The page on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website, which tracks air quality, says Chicago's air is rated "unhealthy." In Michigan, environmental officials said the air is "unsafe for the health of sensitive populations." The Michigan Department of Health recommends that state residents check the air quality index regularly, and refrain from participating in outdoor activities if at all possible.
The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability has advised central Indiana residents to avoid being outdoors whenever possible. This is especially true for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, heart disease, or COVID-19. Members of sensitive populations are advised to stay home and refrain from activities that degrade indoor air quality, such as lighting candles or using a vacuum cleaner.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said Sunday that air quality in New York is expected to worsen again on Monday, mainly in the northern and western regions of the state. The air quality index is expected to be between 100 and 150, while 0 to 50 is considered normal.
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