Wildfire haze focuses attention on regional air quality

Impact of Wildfire Haze on Air Quality and the Environment

Residents in the Chesapeake Bay region and across the country added another item to their checklist for heading outdoors this summer: How’s the air?

Wildfires burning across Canada combined with atypical weather patterns to deliver dense doses of smoky haze to the region on two occasions in June. Bay states were among those exposed to such poor air quality that it was considered unhealthy for most people to spend time outdoors.

We talked to local air quality experts to try to put these “bad air” days into context and to better understand their impact on human health, wildlife, and the environment.

Record-Breaking Air Quality Issues

Dan Salkovitz, a meteorologist with 40 years of experience at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, stated that the poor air quality numbers observed in the region on June 7–9 and again on June 27–29 were “among the highest ever recorded” for certain pollutants.

Trends in Air Quality

Salkovitz acknowledged that while wildfire haze has been observed in the past, the situation this summer is far from typical. He emphasized that overall air quality has significantly improved over the past 20 years due to pollution controls for industry, vehicles, and energy efficiency standards. However, the increase in wildfires caused by hotter and drier conditions resulting from climate change is promoting more intense and larger fires.

Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke

The most direct health threat from wildfire smoke is particulate matter, specifically PM2.5 and PM10. PM2.5 refers to microscopic particles of 2.5 microns or less, which can contribute to cardiac and respiratory issues. Even in healthy individuals, these tiny particles can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing coughing, phlegm, and tightness of breath.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates five major air pollutants, including particulate pollution. The AQI measures these pollutants on a scale from 0 to 500, with values below 50 representing good air quality. In June and July, the air quality index for the Chesapeake Bay region exceeded 200 on some days, indicating “very unhealthy” air conditions.

Guidance for Dealing with Poor Air Quality

AirNow.gov provides guidance on how to act based on a person’s health, age, and other risk factors. Individuals with heart and lung disease, older adults, children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups should pay closer attention to air quality warnings and reduce their time outdoors. However, certain individuals, such as outdoor workers and those reliant on public transportation or walking, may not have the luxury of reducing their time outdoors.

Impact on Wildlife and the Environment

Wildlife and pets are also affected by wildfire haze. The Smithsonian National Zoo closed its doors on the region’s worst air quality day and brought animals indoors as much as possible. Additionally, wildfires contribute to nitrogen pollution in the atmosphere, which eventually settles on the ground and washes into local waters. Air pollution already accounts for up to a third of the nitrogen entering the Chesapeake Bay.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The impact of wildfire haze on air quality and the environment aligns with several SDGs, including:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Wildfire smoke poses health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – The increase in wildfires is a consequence of climate change, highlighting the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.
3. SDG 14: Life Below Water – Nitrogen deposition from wildfires contributes to water pollution, affecting marine ecosystems.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land – Wildfires have detrimental effects on terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

Although the unique weather patterns that brought Canada’s smoke to the Chesapeake Bay region may not continue, the smoky summer serves as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of climate change. It calls for increased efforts to address climate change and its consequences on air quality and the environment.

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?

• Air Quality Index (AQI)
• Number of days with poor air quality
• Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels
• Nitrogen deposition

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: bayjournal.com

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