Smoke from Canadian Wildfires Turns Americans into 'Mask Wearers'

Millions across North America are experiencing hazy skies and severe air pollution due to smoke from intense wildfires in Canada. The smoke has enveloped the northeastern United States, turning the air gray. Warnings have been issued for vulnerable individuals, advising them to stay indoors. On Tuesday, June 6, the smoke from the wildfires flowed southward, affecting parts of the Northeast and the Midwest. The thick haze that previously covered New York City obscured the view of New Jersey across the Hudson River, making the sunset appear as a reddish orb. In New York, which had the second-worst air quality after New Delhi on Tuesday, vulnerable citizens have been advised to wear masks. In Washington, D.C., concerns about air quality led to the cancellation of outdoor school activities, including classes, sports practices, and field trips, on Wednesday, June 7. Recent wildfires near Quebec, Canada, have been ongoing for at least several days. On Tuesday, June 6, over 150 wildfires occurred in northern Quebec, prompting Canadian officials to issue evacuation orders for Chibougamau, a city with a population of 7,509. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stated that the smoke will linger in northern states for several days. Air quality warnings are determined by various parameters, including pollution from fine particles known as PM 2.5, which can irritate the lungs.