Wildfire Smoke Impacts on Air Quality in the Northeastern U.S.

Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada is currently impacting the air quality in the Northeastern United States. The smoke has created hazy skies and poor air quality across the region, with some areas experiencing “unhealthy” or “hazardous” air quality. The wildfires in Canada are being fueled by hot, dry weather and high winds, and to date these fires have burned more than 3.8 million hectares (9.4 million acres) of land, and are still active.

Updated June 15th
Currently, there are 219 wildfires in Canada that are labeled as ‘out of control’.  The smoke has started to drift into the upper midwest states like Minnesota. On Wednesday, June 14th, St. Paul had an air quality index, or AQI, reading of 256 at 6 p.m. As of this morning, the AQI is under 100, although that is expected to rise later in the day.  It is important to continue to take all precautions while the air quality is poor; reduce outdoor exercise, wear a mask, and take steps to manage your indoor air quality by keeping the windows closed, running an air conditioner, and using an air purifier with True HEPA and carbon filtration.

Updated June 10th
This map shows the current status of the wildfires in Canada. Of all the wildfires that are still burning, about half are still considered not under control. The air quality in New York City has improved and is currently listed as an AQI of 69 and Washington D.C. is at 68, both are considered moderate. Charlotte, NC is also showing a moderate air quality index rating of 84.  While the wildfires are continuing to burn, shifts in the wind patterns have helped improve the air quality in many cities in the Northeastern United States.

Affected Areas

The smoke from the wildfires in Canada has been detected as far away as 2,000 miles away in Michigan. The smoke is being carried by winds from the west and is expected to continue to affect the region for the next few days. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued air quality advisories for much of the Northeast, warning that the smoke can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The EPA is also urging people with respiratory problems to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity.

The poor air quality in the Northeast is a reminder of the dangers of wildfires and the importance of taking steps to protect our health. It is expected that this cloud of smoke will begin to move south throughout the week. And we’re seeing AQIs changing daily. If you are in any of the states listed, and affected by the smoke, please stay informed about the air quality conditions and take steps to protect yourself from the smoke. The states most impacted by the smoke from the wildfires in Canada are:

• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• Michigan
• Vermont
• Washington D.C.

Air Quality Ratings in Affected Areas

These states are all located downwind of the wildfires in Canada. The smoke has created hazy skies and poor air quality across the region, with some areas experiencing “unhealthy” or “hazardous” air quality. Here are some of the current air quality index ratings in the affected states, compared to their average normal AQI:

• New York: The AQI in New York City is currently 322, which is considered very unhealthy for sensitive groups. The average normal AQI for New York City is 50.
  
• New Jersey: The AQI in Newark, New Jersey is currently 245, which is considered very unhealthy for sensitive groups.
  
• Pennsylvania: The AQI in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is currently 287, which is considered very unhealthy for sensitive groups.
  
• Ohio: The AQI in Cleveland, Ohio is currently 154, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
  
• Michigan: The AQI in Detroit, Michigan is currently 161, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
  
• Vermont: The AQI in Burlington, Vermont is currently 154, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
  
• Washington D.C.: The AQI in Washington D.C. is currently 276, which is considered very unhealthy.

It is important to note that the AQI can vary from city to city within a state. For example, the AQI in New York City hit 322 on June 7th, while the AQI in Albany, New York was 166. This is because the AQI is affected by a number of factors, including the amount of smoke in the air, the wind direction, and the temperature.

If you are in any of the states listed above, please be sure to check the air quality index before going outside. If the AQI is high, it is best to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity. To check the AQI in your city visit AirNow.gov. 

How To Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to your health, especially if you have respiratory problems. To protect yourself, stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outside, wear a mask that can filter out fine particles. Avoid strenuous activity, drink plenty of fluids, and monitor your health. If you experience any respiratory problems, seek medical attention.

Here are some tips for protecting your health during poor air quality:

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you must go outside, wear a mask that can filter out fine particles.
• Avoid strenuous activity.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Monitor your health and seek medical attention if you experience any respiratory problems.
• Use an air purifier with HEPA filter

How To Choose an Air Purifier for Wildfire Smoke

If you are looking for an effective and affordable air purifier for wildfire smoke, choose one that is the right size for your home, has a HEPA filter and a carbon filter, and is energy efficient. Here are some additional tips for using an air purifier during wildfire smoke:

• Place the air purifier in the center of the room to ensure that the clean air is circulated throughout the room.
• Run the air purifier continuously, especially during the day when you are home.
• Change the filters regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep the air purifier clean by dusting it regularly.

By following these tips, you can help to improve the air quality in your home and protect your family from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke. Here are some of the best air purifiers for wildfire smoke:

• Alen BreatheSmart 45i: This air purifier is designed for large rooms up to 1,300 square feet. It has a HEPA filter and a carbon filter, and it can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles. It also has a variety of features, including a remote control, a timer, and a night light. Read our review of the Alen 45i before you buy.
  
• Levoit Core 300: This air purifier is small and affordable, but it is still effective at removing pollutants from the air. It has a HEPA filter and a carbon filter, and it can clean the air in a room up to 300 square feet.
   
• Winix 5500-2: This air purifier is larger and more expensive than the Levoit Core 300, but it is also more effective. It has a HEPA filter and a carbon filter, and it can clean the air in a room up to 500 square feet.
• Honeywell HPA300: This air purifier is even larger and more expensive than the Winix 5500-2, but it is also the most effective. It has a HEPA filter, a pre-filter, and a carbon filter, and it can clean the air in a room up to 1,000 square feet. Read our review of Honeywell.