Canadian Wildfire Smoke is Still Entering the United States
More wildfire smoke is entering the United States. The smoke is coming from 485 active fires burning in Canada; 257 of them are considered out of control. More than 9.8 million acres of forest have burned by June 7 of this year, which is 10 times more than what burned last year. Smoke has traveled to many parts of the United States including New York City, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and as far west as Minnesota. NASA recently reported that smoke has made its way to Europe, leading to dark skies in Portugal, Spain, and France.
Wildfire smoke is causing major problems for many parts of the world. The wildfire smoke from Canada contains noxious gases and particulate matter that are unsafe for human health. The smoke is more toxic than regular air pollution. It contains smoke from burning plant matter and other materials like vehicles, buildings, and their contents. Smoke from wildfires can also contain chemicals, metals, plastics, and other synthetic materials. Wildfire smoke causes more inflammation and tissue damage compared to regular air pollution. Studies in people have shown that wildfire smoke leads to higher levels of heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrests, respiratory conditions, weakened immune systems, and increases in emergency room visits.
Health effects from wildfire smoke can last for years. After a coal mine fire in Australia, heart disease rates were elevated for two and a half years, and respiratory illnesses were present for five years. Exposure to wildfire smoke during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy loss, low birth weight, and preterm delivery. A study in California has even found that there is a link between wildfire smoke exposure and cellular damage in first- and second-trimester placentas. Another study found that people living outside major cities that were within 50 kilometers of a wildfire in the last decade had a 4.9 percent higher risk of lung cancer and a 10 percent higher risk of brain tumors compared to people not exposed to the smoke.
Research is looking at the effects of wildfire smoke on water supplies as well as crops and livestock. It is also looking to see if the smoke amplifies the bad effects of hot weather. Nutrients from smoke could also cause algal blooms, leading to problems for drinking water reservoirs and lake ecology. Experts say the best way to mitigate the risk of wildfire smoke inhalation is to limit outdoor activities, especially strenuous sports. It is also a good idea to wear N95 masks when going outside.
Were you exposed to a harmful carcinogen like asbestos and later diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another cancer? Contact us today to see if you could be entitled to compensation. Call 412-471-3980 or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
