Air Quality Alert: Smoky Haze Blankets The City

Wildfires are a common phenomenon that can have a significant impact on the environment and human health. The smoke from these fires can cause haze and degrade air quality, affecting communities near and far from the wildfire itself. With wildfire seasons lasting from early April to late October, certain regions in Canada and the United States are susceptible to experiencing smoky skies during this period. The smoke may drift across regions, impacting air quality and prompting health advisories for residents. In this context, it is essential to stay informed about the air quality and take necessary precautions to safeguard health when smoke is present in the environment.

Wildfires in Canada, the US and Mexico are common causes of smoke

Wildfires in Canada, the US, and Mexico are common causes of smoke, which can have a significant impact on air quality and public health. In recent years, wildfires have become increasingly frequent and intense in these countries, with climate change providing ideal conditions for their propagation.

In Canada, wildfires have ravaged tens of millions of acres, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and claimed the lives of multiple firefighters. The western provinces, such as British Columbia, and populated areas like Quebec and Ontario, have been particularly affected. The smoke from these fires has not only affected local air quality but also drifted into the US, impacting states such as Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. In these states, the smoke has led to air quality alerts and advisories, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities.

The US has also experienced its share of wildfires, with violent fires raging across multiple states in recent years. The Rockies and areas west, including Southern California, New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona, have seen a significant increase in fire weather conditions. These wildfires have directly impacted the lives and health of Americans, with the tiny pollutants (PM2.5) in wildfire smoke causing breathing problems and aggravating existing health conditions.

While there is less specific information regarding Mexico, it is safe to assume that wildfires in the country contribute to smoke and air quality issues, particularly in regions bordering the US and Canada. Overall, the wildfires in these three countries have had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only local communities but also those thousands of kilometers away.

Smoke from wildfires can drift thousands of kilometres, impacting air quality

The smoke from wildfires can spread far beyond the area actually scorched by flames, degrading air quality and creating hazardous conditions thousands of miles away. This can have a significant impact on the health of communities, even those far from the flames. Wildfire smoke can be carried thousands of kilometres from the fire zone, affecting air quality in areas close to and far from the wildfire. For example, a 2021 study found that wildfire smoke is responsible for more than 33,000 deaths annually across 43 countries, with many of these deaths occurring in cities far from the fires. The smoke contains fine, inhalable particulate matter (PM2.5), which is the air pollutant of greatest concern to public health as it can travel deep into the lungs and may even enter the bloodstream. Individuals at greater risk of health effects from wildfire smoke include those with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, older adults, children under 18, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those of lower socioeconomic status.

The long-term health impacts of wildfire smoke are still not fully understood, but it is known that smoke can drive rapid ozone formation and produce secondary pollutants like ground-level ozone and secondary organic aerosols (or haze). These secondary pollutants form through complex chemical processes that are still not fully understood. Additionally, the smoke can impact the weather, as the tiny particles called aerosols that are lofted into the atmosphere can affect cloud formation and precipitation.

Predicting the air quality impacts of wildfires is challenging due to the complex chemistry of smoke plumes and the difficulty in mobilizing ground-based and airborne instruments to observe them. However, recent advances in research have provided critical tools to help community decision-makers anticipate smoke exposure and protect public health. For example, scientists have improved models to predict smoke's impact on air quality and developed machine learning techniques to forecast fire emissions more accurately. Field campaigns using sophisticated research aircraft loaded with precision instruments have also helped illuminate the chemistry and micro-physics of smoke and its effects on clouds and air quality.

To safeguard public health during wildfire smoke events, local health or emergency authorities will provide advice and guidance. It is important for individuals to follow this guidance, which may include modifying outdoor activities or taking other measures to protect their health and the health of those in their care.

Air Quality Advisories and Smoky Skies Bulletins help Canadians prepare

Air Quality Advisories and Smoky Skies Bulletins, now known as Air Quality Warnings, are essential tools that help Canadians prepare for and navigate periods of poor air quality. These warnings are issued by the Ministry of Environment and Parks in collaboration with provincial health authorities. The advisories and bulletins are particularly relevant in the context of Canada's wildfire seasons, which typically run from early April to late October.

Air Quality Advisories

Air Quality Advisories are issued when pollutant concentrations approach or exceed predetermined limits, or when degraded air-quality episodes are expected to continue or worsen. These advisories help Canadians make informed decisions about reducing their exposure to harmful pollutants. For example, they may advise limiting outdoor activities or taking other protective measures, especially for vulnerable individuals. Additionally, advisories can influence emission reduction actions, such as imposing limits on industrial emissions or wood stove use.

Smoky Skies Bulletins

Smoky Skies Bulletins are special advisories specific to wildfire smoke, which can rapidly change and impact large areas. These bulletins are issued when a province is currently affected by wildfire smoke or has the potential to be affected within the next 24 to 48 hours. They are based on various factors, including available pollutant concentration information, satellite data, smoke forecast models, and visual observations. Like Air Quality Advisories, Smoky Skies Bulletins provide health advice and recommended actions to protect the well-being of Canadians.

Accessing Air Quality Information

Canadians can stay informed about air quality through various channels. British Columbia, for instance, offers a subscription service where residents can receive real-time Air Quality Advisories and Smoky Skies Bulletins via text messages, email notifications, or both. Additionally, community-specific websites provide hourly data, which is then processed and posted on central platforms, such as B.C.'s air quality website. Other resources, like the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), help individuals understand the health implications of the air quality in their region.

Local health authorities advise on health protection during wildfire smoke events

Wildfires can start and spread rapidly, and the smoke may impact a community in a matter of hours. Local health authorities provide advice and guidance to protect your health during wildfire smoke events. It is important for everyone to reduce their exposure to smoke, especially children and people with pre-existing health conditions. Here are some recommendations provided by local health authorities to protect your health during wildfire smoke events:

Monitor air quality and stay informed:

Use resources such as the Air Quality Index (AQI) or the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to check your community's outdoor air quality. Local authorities may also issue special air quality statements and advisories during wildfire smoke events. Stay informed about the fire's location and any evacuation orders by listening to emergency alerts and monitoring fires in your area using mapping tools.

Reduce exposure to smoke:

Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and make it difficult to breathe. Limit your time outdoors and reduce strenuous activities. If you need to work outdoors, consult local health authorities for guidance on reducing exposure. Keep windows and doors closed, and use air filters or portable air cleaners to maintain clean air indoors. If smoke is present for an extended period, consider finding a place with cleaner air to exercise indoors, such as a gym or community centre.

Prioritize vulnerable individuals:

People with lung diseases (such as asthma or COPD), heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or those who are pregnant, need to be especially cautious. If you fall into one of these categories, consider rescheduling outdoor activities and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.

Prepare for potential evacuation:

Be prepared to evacuate at any time if advised by local authorities. Have an emergency plan in place and consider the needs of any pets or animals in your care, as some evacuation centres do not accept animals.

Take care of your mental health:

Wildfire smoke events can be stressful and impact your mental well-being. Eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising indoors, and staying connected with friends can help you cope with the challenges during these events.

Tools like the Air Quality Health Index help understand health impacts

Tools like the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) are incredibly useful for understanding the health impacts of air pollution. The AQHI is a scale that helps people understand the impact of air quality on their health. It is a health protection tool that helps people make decisions to reduce short-term exposure to air pollution by adjusting their activity levels during periods of increased air pollution. For example, on days with high levels of air pollution, someone might decide to avoid outdoor activities or wear a mask when outside.

The AQHI provides a number from 1 to 10+ to indicate the level of health risk associated with local air quality. Each number is associated with specific health advice. For instance, on days with an AQHI of 10+, the general population is advised to reduce outdoor exertion, while sensitive groups may need to avoid all outdoor activity. Sensitive groups include people with heart and lung disease, older adults, children, and people with diabetes.

The AQHI is calculated based on measurements of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. These pollutants are monitored by various Environmental Protection Agencies around the world and are considered to be among the most harmful to human health.

By using tools like the AQHI, people can better understand the health impacts of air pollution and take appropriate actions to protect themselves. Websites like AirNow.gov and WAQI.info provide real-time air quality data and forecasts, allowing people to stay informed about the air quality in their local areas and make decisions to protect their health.

Frequently asked questions