A thick, hazardous haze has blanketed the eastern United States and Canada, forcing millions to adjust their daily routines and spark concerns about the health effects of prolonged exposure to poor air quality. The smoky blanket, billowing from wildfires in Quebec and Nova Scotia, is expected to persist into the weekend, with the US National Weather Service forecasting conditions to remain unhealthy until the wind direction changes or the fires are brought under control.
The haze has already had a significant impact, with baseball players chased from ballparks, actors forced to cancel performances, flights delayed, and remote work and mask-wearing becoming the norm. Officials have warned residents to stay indoors and limit or avoid outdoor activities, extending Code Red air quality alerts in some areas for a third consecutive day. In Washington DC, the local government has cancelled outdoor activities, closed public parks, and suspended road construction work.
The smoke from the wildfires has also spread to northern Europe, with Norway expected to experience a temporary health concern from the haze. Meanwhile, the Canadian Prime Minister has spoken with US President Joe Biden to acknowledge the need to work together to address the devastating impacts of climate change, which is suspected of contributing to the outbreak of fires.
Thick Haze Chokes US and Canada
The situation has also led to increased public awareness about air quality, with residents being encouraged to take precautions to protect their health. “I put my mask away for over a year, and now I’m putting on my mask since yesterday,” said Yili Ma, a Toronto resident. The poor air quality has also forced the closure of popular attractions such as the National Zoo in Washington DC and Shakespeare in the Park’s outdoor stage.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with federal officials delaying flights and setting up emergency shelters for displaced individuals. The message from officials is clear: the haze is not expected to dissipate anytime soon, and residents must remain vigilant to protect their health.
