On Tuesday, air quality advisories were in place for up to one hundred million Americans, from the Midwest, Texas, and up into the Northeast including Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.
The poor air quality in the Northeast is due to wildfires that are raging across eastern Canada and sending smoke into the U.S. Smoke can be so thick in some places that it is able to be smelled and makes the sky appear hazy.
In urban areas all over the country, air pollution levels are unhealthy due to high concentrations ground-level ozone.
What is the cause of poor air quality?
According to Dr. Purvi Paraikh, allergist and immuneologist at the Allergy & Asthma Network (an advocacy group for those with allergies, asthma and other conditions), poor air quality can result from any airborne “irritant.”
Parikh cited air pollutants from vehicles, carbon emissions and other sources, as well a rising level of ozone.
Wildfires and other natural disasters can cause short-term spikes of poor air quality. The smoke contains dangerous chemicals like carbon monoxide.
She said that “all of these things are harmful, because they can produce particulate material which can penetrate deep into the lungs if inhaled.”
The Environmental Protection Agency reports air quality using , the Air Quality Index. The index ranges from zero to 300 with 50 or below being considered healthy. The general population can start experiencing symptoms when levels exceed 150.
Smoke from wildfires in Canada drifts into New York state on Tuesday.
NOAA
Can poor air quality harm health?
The health problems caused by wildfire smoke and poor air quality can be similar, according to Dr. Wynne armand, associate director at the MGH Center for the Environment and Health and physician at Massachusetts General Hospital.
She said that air pollution from wildfires can cause breathing problems for anyone. But it is especially difficult for children, older people, pregnant women and those with asthma.
It can cause respiratory infections and irritation of the nose, eyes, throat, and lungs in the short-term.
Air pollution can cause chronic diseases, such as:
- Severe asthma
- Preterm birth
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Lung cancer
- Dementia
- Children with lower IQ
Parikh says that pregnant women are at a higher risk of lung damage due to the fact that their lungs have a reduced capacity.
What can I do to protect myself from the bad air?
Experts recommend checking air quality alerts frequently. AirNow.gov is the EPA website that allows users to track air pollution by entering ZIP codes. There are many smartphone apps that track air quality.
Brady Scott, fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care (a professional organization for respiratory therapy), recommended that people remain indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible. This includes activities such as exercise which can put stress on the lungs.
He added that people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, need to monitor their symptoms. They should make sure that their inhalers and other medications are readily available and not expired.
People know their bodies very well. Scott suggested that if people notice changes in their bodies they think are caused by bad air they should consult a doctor or an advanced practitioner.
Parikh advised that people keep their homes properly ventilated. She said that people who must go outside should wear a mask such as the N95 respirator which filters out airborne particulates.
She said, “Believe or not masking like we did with Covid is helpful to act as a barrier and reduce the amount particulate matter you breathe in.”
Armand warned against mowing or dusting your lawn when air quality was poor. On these days, burning candles or using gas stoves can also lead to poorer quality air.
Parikh advised that people should seek medical help if they have a cough, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, wheezing or hear a whistling noise in their chest.
Does poor air quality harm pets?
Parikh says that it is.
She said that other mammals suffer from the same lung diseases as humans.
Scott says that people should try to keep their pets, such as cats and dogs, indoors.
He said that if pets were outside and running around or spending the majority of their time outdoors, this would likely cause irritation to their lungs and airways.
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