The United States has been grappling with poor air quality as smoke from raging wildfires in Canada has spread across the country. While the resulting smoky skies may create visually stunning sunsets and sunrises, it is important to recognize the serious health implications associated with this phenomenon.
Regardless of pre-existing health conditions, the smoke can take a toll on a person's well-being. Here is an overview of what you need to know about this potentially dangerous issue.
Major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, Indianapolis, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte have been enveloped by thick smoke that has descended from Canada.
The wildfires in the Canadian province of Quebec have generated a vast amount of smoke, causing some of the most severe air pollution the eastern U.S. has witnessed in years. This smoke poses significant health risks, particularly for the most vulnerable groups of individuals.
The smoke emitted by wildfires contains microscopic particulate matter that can deeply penetrate the lungs when inhaled, eventually entering the bloodstream. Every year, thousands of people in the U.S. end up in hospitals due to smoke inhalation from wildfires.