Wildfires in Canada worsen air quality across the U.S. Midwest
Wildfire smoke from Canadian blazes has dramatically worsened air quality across the Midwestern United States, permeating indoor environments despite efforts to keep it out.
Kiley Price reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- More than 140 wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia have sent smoke across U.S. borders, affecting indoor air quality even with closed windows and doors.
- Experts emphasize the importance of high-quality air filtration systems to combat the infiltration of outdoor pollutants indoors.
- Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly face significant health risks from prolonged exposure to this smoke.
Key quote:
“Housing quality plays a big role in this. If you’re in an older, leakier home, you’re going to be exposed to more wildfire smoke."
— Elliott Gall, mechanical and materials engineering professor at Portland State University
Why this matters:
As climate change escalates the frequency and severity of wildfires, more individuals will likely experience adverse health effects from smoke exposure. Effective indoor air quality management is becoming important for health safety, particularly in densely populated and vulnerable communities.
