Wildfire smoke crossing from Canada contributed to a spike in air pollution levels and negative public health outcomes.
Sachi Mulkey reports for Grist.
In short:
- The World Air Quality Report by IQAir revealed that U.S. air pollution levels nearly doubled WHO's acceptable limits, with significant pollution spikes in cities like Milwaukee.
- Despite improvements, U.S. cities faced unhealthy air quality due to Canadian wildfire smoke, impacting health and contributing to diseases like respiratory illnesses and cancers.
- New EPA standards aim to reduce air pollution, but wildfire smoke remains a challenge, potentially undoing progress made in air quality improvements.
Key quote:
“We really want to encourage people to treat air quality just like they would treat the weather, look to see what the air quality is before you spend extensive time outdoors.”
— Christi Chester Schroeder, air quality science manager at IQAir
Why this matters:
Air quality events precipitated by wildfire smoke exemplifies a need for cross-border environmental cooperation and effective fire management strategies in the face of a warming climate and longer wildfire seasons. LISTEN: Carlos Gould on wildfire smoke and our health.
