The air quality has reached dangerous levels in several states across the country, impacting millions of people.
Northwest winds have carried smoke from the hundreds of wildfires burning in Canada, along with fires in northern Minnesota. The National Weather Service has warned that smoke concentrations near the surface could create health risks, particularly for children, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions.
Which states are under an advisory?
Air quality alerts remained in effect on Friday, July 17, in multiple states, including parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the Carolinas, the National Weather Service said.
Some of the worst conditions have been concentrated around Detroit, which had an air quality index reading above 800, reflecting hazardous, unhealthy air quality in metro Detroit.
Parts of Ohio such as Toledo, Columbus, Cleveland and Akron had hazardous AQI levels as of Friday at 9 a.m. The Canton-Massillon area had “very unhealthy” values at that time.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will issue an expiration notice when the air quality improves, and the smoke has left the region, according to a Thursday news release.
Who is at risk?
Everyone, not just sensitive groups, is at risk with air quality levels above 200.
The Ohio EPA and Canton City Public Health recommend people avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma.
The most sensitive groups are those with heart or lung disease, children, older adults, pregnant people and outdoor workers.
Can the smoke particles get inside?
The outdoor air, including fine particles from wildfire smoke, can get inside a number of ways:
How to stay safe?
The U.S. EPA and Canton health department have several tips during high AQI levels such as today, they include:
Avoid these activities that put more particles in the air:
To keep the home free of air particles:
Includes reporting by Detroit Free Press staff writer Jenna Prestininzi and Lansing State Journal staff writer Sarah Moore
Reach Aaron at 330-580-8428 or ahhughes@usatodayco.com. On X: @AaronHughe2
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Tips for staying safe with poor air quality across NE Ohio and US
Reporting by Aaron Hughes, Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Aaron Hughes, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
