The National Meteorological Service has issued a number of alerts of air quality across the northeastern and Midwest United States for August 5, as the smoke of Canada’s fire continues south and covers large lines of the country in dangerous fine particles (PM2.5).
NWS said New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Vermont, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana were warned to limit outdoor activity due to unhealthy air conditions, especially for sensitive populations.
Days of Action Air Quality announced
New Jersey, New York and Connecticut Everyone remains on the air quality of air tonight. The environmental protection department in New Jersey has identified the districts of Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex and Union, while the Ministry of Environmental Protection in New York has expanded the warning to all five neighborhoods and NYC north of the city, including Westchester, rockland, Orange and Putnam.
The energy and environmental department in Connecticut has issued a warning to the Fairfield, New Haven and Middlesx regions until 23:00.
Health risks for vulnerable groups
In all countries, officials advise sensitive individuals – including children, older adults and people with asthma, lungs or heart diseases – reduce strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities. The New York Ministry of Health has repeated this concerns and urged the risk of consulting a doctor if symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing or discomfort on the chest are developing.
Understanding AQI and PM2.5
The air quality index (AQI) in the affected areas is expected to exceed 100 and place many regions in the category “unhealthy for sensitive groups”. Fine particles (PM2.5), the primary pollutant, are microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstreams, impairing existing health problems and evoke new symptoms in vulnerable populations.
Canadian fire
States such as Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana showed the direct impacts of Canadian fire smoke, especially from fires in Manitoba and Ontario. High -pressure systems have captured smoke near the ground and have worsened air quality.
In Michigan, the county was affected by the northern and central parts of the state, and the concentration to the center is expected to be facilitated. Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources expects smoke to persist throughout the day, with heavier conditions in the northeast.
Other state councils
Vermont: The regions of Bennington and Windham are on alert by midnight due to smoke -powered PM2.5 levels.
Massachusetts: Warning is valid from 11:00 to 23:00 for fine particles.
Pennsylvania: He released a warning to the Orange code, indicating unhealthy air for sensitive groups, especially in city centers.
Indiana: announced the day of action quality for fine particles and recommended a reduction in the outdoor exposure.
What you can do
Officials in all regions recommend the following measures:
Avoid or reduce outdoor effort, especially if you are in a sensitive group.
Keep the windows closed and use air cleaners or HVAC systems with Merv-13 filters or higher.
Avoid activities that worsen air quality, such as burning wood or refueling vehicles during the day.
Follow symptoms such as cough, breathing problems, chest tightness or eye irritation – and seek medical attention if they get worse.
Check out the local AQI at www.airnow.gov, where you can find updates in real time.
(Tagstotranslate) Air quality map
