Day: June 7, 2023

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Breathing in wildfire smoke comparable to smoking 3 to 11 cigarettes a day | WSTM

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Breathing in wildfire smoke comparable to smoking 3 to 11 cigarettes a day | WSTM

Recent studies from Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley have drawn comparisons between inhaling air pollution at certain AQI levels and smoking cigarettes. They mention although there are considerable differences in the specific chemicals found in wildfire smoke versus cigarette smoke, the comparison serves as a good analogy.

It's been approximated that someone who smokes a cigarette inhales about 22 micrograms of PM 2.5. PM 2.5 is what we use to measure the concentration of wildfire particulate matter in the atmosphere.

After further studies, 22 micrograms of PM 2.5 was then found to be equivalent to an AQI of 72 points after 24 hours of exposure. Using the calculator on the EPA's website, if you were to spend the next 24 hours outside in Central New York you'd expose yourself to air pollution as harmful as three cigarettes. And plugging in the current AQI of Ottawa, you'd be smoking a whopping 10.7 cigarettes!

New York air quality worst since 2002

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New York air quality worst since 2002

New York is experiencing the worst effects from wildfires in over two decades, a state Department of Environmental Conservation official said at a virtual news conference Tuesday. Share 10 articles every 30 days with anyone — paywall-free! SHARE NOW

Margaret LaFarr, assistant director of the Division of Air Resources at the DEC, said air conditions have not been this bad since smoke from Canadian wildfires swept across the state in 2002.

“We are looking at an unprecedented fire season here — certainly unprecedented level of fire in the Canadian regions,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Today the sky is hazy. Visibility is terrible. And you can smell the smoke in the air.”

Canadian wildfires spread an eerie haze across much of the Eastern U.S. | NPR

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Live updates: Canadian wildfires spread an eerie haze across much of the Eastern U.S. | NPR

So far this year, 2,214 wildfires have raged across Canada, according to Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair. The blazes have burned 3.3 million hectares — or more than 8 million acres.

The country is currently battling 413 wildfires, 249 of which are categorized as out of control, and an estimated 26,000 people remain evacuated from their homes.

Across Qu?bec, more than 150 fires are raging, many of which are burning out of control, according to the province's forest protection service. Authorities have restricted access to parts of the forest and closed some roads.