As hazardous wildfire smoke from Canada spreads across North America, millions of residents have been warned about the health risks of breathing in poor air.
Many people will be concerned about this issue, which could last for several days.
The steps you can take to stay safe are detailed below.
The US government has a website where you can check the air quality in your area, and air quality updates have become a common feature of many weather forecasts.
Here is a local weather check for Canadians.
The most recent air quality rankings from IQAir for major global metro areas are another helpful resource.
The AQI tells you how clean or polluted the air is where you are. The index ranges from 0-500, with a higher number indicating worse health outcomes. "Unhealthy" refers to anything between 15 and 200.
It's crucial to pay attention to regional air quality reports, such as the ones mentioned above, and to professional guidance.
Limit your exposure whenever you can. For instance, staying inside and keeping your windows and doors closed may be advised.
People who live in cities far from the fires but who are currently subject to air advisories should limit outdoor activity to avoid breathing in the smoke, advises University of Toronto professor and air contaminants expert Matthew Adams.
He advises not to worry too much, but to stay inside and minimize exposure. ".
Prof. Adams advises using an N95 mask outdoors to prevent inhalation of the majority of smoke particles in areas closest to the fires. The US Centers for Disease Control issues a similar warning, saying, "do not rely on simple dust masks for protection," as they cannot shield your lungs from the fine particles that wildfires release into the air.
If necessary, seek medical attention.
The eyes, nose, throat, and lungs can become irritated by wildfire smoke.
It may result in:.
- cough .
- headache.
- throat rubbing.
- rancid nose.
- eyes that sting.
- sinus irritability.
- breathlessness and wheezing.
According to Prof. Adams, inhaling it can sometimes cause chest pain and make your heart work harder, raising your pulse.
There are numerous harmful health effects from breathing in smoke, dust, and fine particles, according to William Barrett of the American Lung Association.
They have the ability to penetrate our lungs deeply, bypass the majority of the body's defenses, and have a wide range of detrimental health effects on the respiratory system, he claims. These particles, however, can also enter the bloodstream and affect cardiovascular health. ".
A person is more likely to become ill if they are older, pregnant, or young, as well as if they have underlying medical conditions like heart disease or asthma.
However, if exposed to high levels, even a healthy person may struggle.
Pay attention to the local recommendations. By using an N95 respirator mask, you can lessen your exposure to smoke, but you must use it properly.
It must be snug against your face in order to function effectively as a filter. However, officials warn that they are not made to fit kids. William Barrett advises people to check first before using them because they can also make it harder for those who have specific lung conditions to breathe.
The CDC advises using a portable air purifier or cleaner in your home or place of employment. These aid in purging indoor air of airborne particles known as aerosols.
Similar to what is currently occurring in some parts of North America, major cities in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America frequently experience dangerous air quality levels.
According to a World Health Organization report, air pollution is particularly bad in South Asia, where it is estimated that two million premature deaths occur there each year.
Delhi, India's capital, is the worst. It is ranked first on IQAir with a 191 "unhealthy" Air Quality Index (AQI) score.
The top 10 cities in Asia also include Shanghai, China; Hanoi, Vietnam; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Jakarta, Indonesia.
Further down the list, there are several more Chinese cities.
