Millions of Americans are being warned to monitor their health as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to impact air quality across several states, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Widespread Alerts Issued
On Monday, the NWS issued air quality alerts for parts of:
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Wisconsin
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Michigan
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Pennsylvania
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New York
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Massachusetts
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Vermont
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Maine
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Delaware
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Texas
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Colorado
These alerts stem from fine particulate pollution and ground-level ozone carried by drifting wildfire smoke.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Officials warn that certain groups should be especially cautious:
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Children
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Older adults
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People with asthma or heart disease
“Avoid strenuous outdoor activities,” the NWS advised. “Symptoms like shortness of breath, palpitations, or unusual fatigue could signal something serious. If you experience any of these, contact your healthcare provider.”
Those with asthma are urged to follow their action plans and keep quick-relief inhalers nearby.
Cities Shrouded in Smoke
AccuWeather reported that Chicago briefly had the worst air quality in the world, with smog blanketing the skyline and severely reducing visibility.
The Danger of Ozone and Particle Pollution
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
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Particle pollutants can trigger respiratory issues
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Ozone exposure can lead to coughing, wheezing, airway inflammation, or infection
“Ozone isn’t released directly; it forms through chemical reactions in sunlight and heat,” explained AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. “In stagnant air, pollutants build up, pushing ozone to unhealthy levels.”
Tips to Reduce Exposure
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Limit driving
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Use public transport, walk, or bike when possible
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Stay indoors with filtered air if you’re in a high-risk group
As wildfire season continues, officials stress the importance of monitoring local air quality and prioritizing health and safety—especially on hazy or smog-filled days.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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