A dense haze has enveloped the skies across the Northeastern region of the United States, urging cities to suggest people stay indoors. The cause? Smoke from wildfires in Canada has spiked air pollution levels, which could lead to health problems for those in vulnerable groups. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that wildfire smoke is a “complex mixture” of pollutants that can cause health effects that range from minor to serious. Exposure to wildfire particles can irritate the respiratory system, even impacting the body’s ability to function, with serious effects occurring within just a few days. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, face the most vulnerability.
“The particulate matter that’s in this haze is significant because it does irritate the bronchials, the small tubes that go down into your lungs and connect to the alveoli, which are the sacs that allow you to breathe,” says Dr. Bob Lahita, a rheumatologist, adding that people in sensitive groups should avoid going outside.
Poor air quality can be hazardous, warns the National Weather Service. Even seemingly minor symptoms such as headaches, sinus and eye irritation, and fatigue can worsen other impacts. Pre-existing respiratory issues, including asthma, can lead to difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, irritated throat, bronchitis, reduced lung function, coughing, and chest pains. Even people who do not live near wildfires can be exposed to toxic pollution as pollution from wildfire smoke can rise up to 14 miles into the air and is carried by wind currents. Likewise, those with pre-existing cardiovascular issues, such as congestive heart failure and high blood pressure, face an increased risk of heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.
Smoke inhalation weakens the immune system, according to the Cleveland Clinic, which states that particles from wildfire smoke can stick to a location in our body, activating the immune system to create an inflammatory response. As wildfires produce more air pollution, scientists have linked thousands of COVID cases and deaths across California, Oregon, and Washington to the increases in air pollution caused by wildfire smoke.
On Wednesday, New York City, a city that usually scores “good” air quality, had one of the highest amounts of air pollution across tracked global cities, classified as “unhealthy” by national standards. The Northeast had similarly unhealthy air quality levels, with some states experiencing “very unhealthy” levels of air pollution, including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
