Wildfire Smoke Is Affecting Millions Right Now. Here's What Experts Say to Do
The air quality warnings affecting communities from Arizona to New York are a reminder that you don't have to be anywhere near a wildfire to feel its effects. Fine particles in wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles and remain at dangerous concentrations long after the visible haze has cleared, affecting lungs, hearts and respiratory systems at levels most people underestimate.
With wildfires actively burning on the Grand Canyon's North Rim and across four Canadian provinces simultaneously, we asked two air pollution researchers, Columbia University's Dan Westervelt and UMass Amherst's Richard Peltier, what people in affected communities should actually be doing right now.
How dangerous is poor air quality?
Poor air quality can be hazardous for everyone, but especially people with the following: respiratory issues such as asthma, individuals with lung and heart disease, the elderly and pregnant people.
Wood smoke exposure from trees or homes burning is particularly associated...
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