Where is wildfire smoke and air quality at its worst? Here’s a map of the entire US.
Wildfire smoke and air quality issues persist. But where is it worst? USA TODAY
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Wildfire Smoke and its Impact on Public Health
With wildfires burning in North America, it is crucial to understand the potential dangers of toxic smoke. The smoke contains a mixture of hazardous gases and solid particles smaller than a human hair. Particulate matter, also known as PM 2.5, is a primary component of wildfire smoke and poses the greatest concern to public health. These fine particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing damage to various organs.
Intense heat from the fires propels the smoke high into the atmosphere, where it remains until it cools and descends. Strong winds can carry the smoke over long distances, even thousands of miles away. Smoke concentrations during a wildfire can rapidly change, underscoring the importance of regularly monitoring smoke predictions.
Current Locations of Wildfire Smoke in the US
Current Air Quality Conditions in the US
According to Susan Stone, a senior environmental health scientist in EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards, as smoke moves downwind, it becomes more diluted and widespread but less dangerous. This means that more people may be affected over a larger area, but the intensity of air pollution decreases.
It is important to note that even when smoke is visible in the atmosphere, the actual air quality reading may be lower than expected if the smoke is not concentrated near the ground.
Current Locations of Wildfires in Canada and the United States
In June and July of 2023, the majority of wildfires burned in Canada. However, fires in California and the Western U.S. are often more prominent. California has seen 22,000 acres burn in the first seven months of 2023, which is nearly nine times lower than the five-year average for the same period, according to CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service.
Current Locations of Wildfires in Canada and the United States
Depending on what is burning, wildfire smoke can contain toxic chemical substances such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acid gases, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, benzene, toluene, styrene, metals, and dioxins. These substances pose significant health risks to individuals exposed to the smoke.
Health Effects of Toxic Wildfire Smoke
Breathing in toxic smoke from wildfires can lead to various health problems, ranging from minor irritations to severe cardiovascular and respiratory effects. PM 2.5 particles, which are incredibly small, can bypass the body’s usual defense mechanisms and penetrate deep into the lungs, impairing their function. These particles can also enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs. Exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, lung cancer, and a decline in cognitive function.
Six Tips to Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke
- Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed to minimize smoke infiltration.
- Use air purifiers or filters to improve indoor air quality.
- Avoid activities that can increase indoor pollution, such as smoking or burning candles.
- If you must go outside, wear a mask rated for filtering fine particles.
- Monitor air quality updates and follow any evacuation orders or health advisories issued by authorities.
- Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms or have pre-existing health conditions that may be exacerbated by smoke exposure.
Contributing: Janet Loehrke and George Petras
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
- Indicator for SDG 11.6: Ambient air pollution levels in cities.
- Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of people affected by climate-related hazards.
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Ambient air pollution levels in cities. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Number of people affected by climate-related hazards. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Forest area as a proportion of total land area. |
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Source: usatoday.com
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