Heavy smoke from wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota smothered large regions of the United States on Thursday, with air quality reaching hazardous levels from Great Lakes to East Coast.
The thick haze reduced visibility and cast a dark pall over several states, prompting officials to issue warnings for residents to remain indoors or use protective masks, reports AP.
Experts noted that the deteriorating air quality poses a risk to all individuals, irrespective of their health status, with Detroit recorded as having some of the world’s most polluted air for a major city.
In response to the crisis, authorities across Michigan, Illinois, and much of Minnesota issued hazardous air quality alerts.
New York City officials shifted outdoor events inside, established cooling centres, and distributed thousands of masks to the public, while Philadelphia advised against intense outdoor activity.
Medical professionals warned that microscopic particles within the smoke can enter the lungs and bloodstream, potentially leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
A recent study indicates that such exposure is linked to approximately 24,100 deaths each year across the contiguous United States.
The situation remains critical as fires continue to spread in Minnesota. Firefighting efforts have been hindered by the smoke, which has grounded helicopter operations.
In a recent rescue, Canada’s Royal Air Force evacuated 11 teenagers and four staff members from a provincial park in Ontario that was under threat. Officials have cautioned that the smoky conditions may persist for several weeks or months.
