New York and large parts of the tri-state area were placed under high alerts as the air quality was dangerously low due to the ongoing blazing wildfires in Canada.
The residents witnessed intense smoke with hazy yellowish-grey skies and complained of irritated throats and respiratory discomfort, which was a result of more than 160 forest fires that broke out in the province of Quebec with at least 114 raging out of control.
The pollution levels in New York City were deemed “unhealthy” and ranked as the worst in the world surpassing Doha and Baghdad while trailing behind Delhi and Lahore.
Officials in New York and Quebec have issued health alerts in response to the worsening air quality caused by the ongoing wildfires in Canada. They are specifically cautioning the public about the detrimental effects of PM2.5, which are fine particles present in the air. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 can result in respiratory illnesses and pose significant health risks.
As an urgent precautionary measure, communities were issued evacuation orders to ensure the safety of residents and were advised to limit their outdoor activities to safeguard their health.
Due to the smoke drifting from the Canadian wildfires and casting a grey, hazy sky, residents in the northeastern US witnessed the moon turning red. This phenomenon has a direct connection to the wildfires. In response to the deteriorating air quality, at least 10 school districts in central New York have made the decision to cancel outdoor activities, including recess and gym classes, to protect the well-being of students and staff.