A section of I-95 in Philadelphia has collapsed after a tanker truck fire : NPR
Fire
One chart shows just how badly Canadian wildfire smoke has fouled the air in Syracuse – syracuse.com
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
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.”
Syracuse’s air is the state’s most polluted right now by Canada wildfires haze – syracuse.com
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Central New York has the most polluted air in New York right now because of the thick haze of smoke from Canada wildfires.
That is expected to linger all day and likely into Wednesday as smoke streams in from fires in Quebec, the National Weather Service said.
An air quality alert has been issued for the second consecutive day. People with lung and cardiovascular problems are urged to stay indoors.
Schools across Central New York are keeping kids indoors and canceling outdoor activities. The Syracuse Fire Department is asking people not to call in a possible house fire simply if they smell smoke.
Onondaga County health officials urged residents to stay inside and close windows.