
Massive wildfire smoke from Canada has spread across major cities in both Canada and the United States, triggering hazardous air quality alerts and reducing visibility. Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, and New York have all been affected as officials warn of serious health risks from toxic smoke while wildfires continue to burn across northwestern Ontario.

Canadian wildfire smoke engulfs US & Canada | Air quality alerts issued as wildfires rage

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday (June 8)said it was&nbsp; delaying flights to New York City-area and Philadelphia airports owing to decreased visibility due to smoke drifting from Canada wildfires. The agency said that flights into New York City's LaGuardia Airport were being delayed with an average of 54 minutes.&nbsp;

Flights at nearby Newark Liberty Airport were also getting delayed due to visibility issues. The FAA has warned that it may also need to decide to delay traffic into Washington and Charlotte, North Carolina. Earlier, the FAA had temporarily halted flights to LaGuardia and Philadelphia from the US northeast, Ohio and Mid-Atlantic.

United Airlines announced that it was waiving change fees and fair difference for travellers wanting to reschedule trips on Thursday and Friday (June 9) for cities that are impacted by smoky conditions including New York, Buffalo, Washington, Philadelphia, Syracuse, New York,&nbsp;Hartford, Connecticut, and Columbus, Ohio.

<h2>Latest on wildfires</h2>

Authorities across Canada are facing logistical challenges as they juggle resources and call in reinforcements from abroad. These included more than 1000 firefighters from Australia, the United States, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Spain and Portugal.

Watch | Canada wildfires: US President Joe Biden assured help as toxic smoke lingers into US

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Wildfires are common in Canada each year but this time the situation is being described as 'unprecedented'. There are wildfires in almost every Canadian province.

"The distribution of fires from coast to coast this year is unusual," said Michael Norton, an official with Canada's Natural Resources ministry as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

"At this time of year, fires usually occur only on one side of the country at a time, most often in the West."

Millions of hectares of land have been scorched due to the wildfires till now and major Canadian cities are threatened leading to evacuation of thousands of residents.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-from-canadian-wildfires-detected-thousands-of-kilometres-away-in-norway-602593">Smoke from Canadian wildfires detected thousands of kilometres away in Norway</a>

Normally, Canada's 10 provinces are responsible for managing wildfires within&nbsp;their borders. They get help from Canadian Interagency Fire Centre.&nbsp;

Alberta, Nova Scotia and Quebec have also asked Ottawa to send in the military.

To tackle wildfires this time, military's firefighting capabilities are being expanded. They have an uphill battle ahead of them.

"When a big fire is burning, it is impossible for the firefighters to make a direct attack," explains Marc-Andre Parisien, a specialist in fire risk management. He was quoted by AFP.

And then "sending water bombers to douse flames 30 metres high is like spitting on a campfire, it is ineffective," he said.&nbsp;

One solution is to use controlled burns to halt advancing blazes, but with big fires, "only a big rain" will extinguish them.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday (June 8)said it was delaying flights to New York City-area and Philadelphia airports owing to decreased visibility due to smoke drifting from Canada wildfires.

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday (June 8)said it was delaying flights to New York City-area and Philadelphia airports owing to decreased visibility due to smoke drifting from Canada wildfires. The agency said that flights into New York City's LaGuardia Airport were being delayed with an average of 54 minutes. Flights at nearby Newark Liberty Airport were also getting delayed due to visibility issues. The FAA has warned that it may also need to decide to delay traffic into Washington and Charlotte, North Carolina. Earlier, the FAA had temporarily halted flights to LaGuardia and Philadelphia from the US northeast, Ohio and Mid-Atlantic. United Airlines announced that it was waiving change fees and fair difference for travellers wanting to reschedule trips on Thursday and Friday (June 9) for cities that are impacted by smoky conditions including New York, Buffalo, Washington, Philadelphia, Syracuse, New York, Hartford, Connecticut, and Columbus, Ohio. Latest on wildfires Authorities across Canada are facing logistical challenges as they juggle resources and call in reinforcements from abroad. These included more than 1000 firefighters from Australia, the United States, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Spain and Portugal. Watch | Canada wildfires: US President Joe Biden assured help as toxic smoke lingers into US × Wildfires are common in Canada each year but this time the situation is being described as 'unprecedented'. There are wildfires in almost every Canadian province. "The distribution of fires from coast to coast this year is unusual," said Michael Norton, an official with Canada's Natural Resources ministry as quoted by AFP. "At this time of year, fires usually occur only on one side of the country at a time, most often in the West." Millions of hectares of land have been scorched due to the wildfires till now and major Canadian cities are threatened leading to evacuation of thousands of residents. Also Read | Smoke from Canadian wildfires detected thousands of kilometres away in Norway Normally, Canada's 10 provinces are responsible for managing wildfires within their borders. They get help from Canadian Interagency Fire Centre. Alberta, Nova Scotia and Quebec have also asked Ottawa to send in the military. To tackle wildfires this time, military's firefighting capabilities are being expanded. They have an uphill battle ahead of them. "When a big fire is burning, it is impossible for the firefighters to make a direct attack," explains Marc-Andre Parisien, a specialist in fire risk management. He was quoted by AFP. And then "sending water bombers to douse flames 30 metres high is like spitting on a campfire, it is ineffective," he said. One solution is to use controlled burns to halt advancing blazes, but with big fires, "only a big rain" will extinguish them. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US delays flights to New York as wildfire smoke reduces visibility

As Canada and North America reels under the effects of heavy smoke due to the ongoing wildfires, the web search for air purifiers has risen exponentially. With this, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram are seeing a whole lot of DIY (Do it yourself) air purifiers. Do they work? Are they safe? Here's all you need to know.

<h2>Wildfires and air pollution indoors</h2>

Pictures and videos over the internet bear witness to how huge the smoke problem is. From Ottawa to New York, the sky has turned orange, and people are reporting smoke-related health issues.

In such a scenario, a clean indoor is a necessity. However, air purifiers can be expensive, and at a time like this, the demand can further drive up the prices. So, what can you do? Apparently, the solution is to buy a lot of duct tape and a few other things.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-orange-skies-smoke-unhealthy-air-plague-canada-namerica-as-160-wildfires-rage-in-ottawa-601718">Explained: Orange skies, smoke &amp; ‘unhealthy’ air plague Canada, N. America, as 160 wildfires rage in Ottawa</a>

<h2>DIY air purifiers</h2>

Social media platforms that cater to short format videos — TikTok, Instagram, etc. — have been flooded with people and influencers teaching how to make a DIY air purifier.

These are made using a technique known as the Corsi-Rosenthal method. All you need to make this is a box fan, four air filters and a whole lot of duct tape. The whole thing, as per a US News report, costs under $100.

One such video by a Seattle resident Angel Robertson has gained more than 600,000 views.&nbsp;

"It works extremely well and will save your life with really smoky days," says Robertson in the video.&nbsp;

"It does a lot better than the normal air filters," she adds.

<h2>Do these air filters actually work?</h2>

Public health experts say that these DIY air purifiers do work and that they are highly effective at removing particles from the air.

As per Petri Kalliomäki, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health, air filters made using the Corsi-Rosenthal method provide clean air at a high delivery rate. They can even be used to purify air against pollen and viruses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-orange-haze-from-canada-wildfires-shroud-parts-of-us-601590">In Pics | Orange haze from Canada wildfires shroud parts of US</a>

Misti Levy Zamora, an assistant professor in public health sciences at the University of Connecticut and her colleagues have been giving away DIY air purifiers.&nbsp;

Talking to US News, she remarks, "I can confidently say this thing is working really well today."

"I was able to filter out all the particles in the air basically back down to what I saw last week within a matter of minutes," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As Canada and North America reels under the effects of heavy smoke due to the ongoing wildfires, the web search for air purifiers has risen exponentially. With this, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram are seeing a whole lot of DIY (Do it yourself) air purifiers.

As Canada and North America reels under the effects of heavy smoke due to the ongoing wildfires, the web search for air purifiers has risen exponentially. With this, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram are seeing a whole lot of DIY (Do it yourself) air purifiers. Do they work? Are they safe? Here's all you need to know. Wildfires and air pollution indoors Pictures and videos over the internet bear witness to how huge the smoke problem is. From Ottawa to New York, the sky has turned orange, and people are reporting smoke-related health issues. In such a scenario, a clean indoor is a necessity. However, air purifiers can be expensive, and at a time like this, the demand can further drive up the prices. So, what can you do? Apparently, the solution is to buy a lot of duct tape and a few other things. Also read | Explained: Orange skies, smoke & ‘unhealthy’ air plague Canada, N. America, as 160 wildfires rage in Ottawa DIY air purifiers Social media platforms that cater to short format videos — TikTok, Instagram, etc. — have been flooded with people and influencers teaching how to make a DIY air purifier. These are made using a technique known as the Corsi-Rosenthal method. All you need to make this is a box fan, four air filters and a whole lot of duct tape. The whole thing, as per a US News report, costs under $100. One such video by a Seattle resident Angel Robertson has gained more than 600,000 views. "It works extremely well and will save your life with really smoky days," says Robertson in the video. "It does a lot better than the normal air filters," she adds. Do these air filters actually work? Public health experts say that these DIY air purifiers do work and that they are highly effective at removing particles from the air. As per Petri Kalliomäki, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health, air filters made using the Corsi-Rosenthal method provide clean air at a high delivery rate. They can even be used to purify air against pollen and viruses. Also read | In Pics | Orange haze from Canada wildfires shroud parts of US Misti Levy Zamora, an assistant professor in public health sciences at the University of Connecticut and her colleagues have been giving away DIY air purifiers. Talking to US News, she remarks, "I can confidently say this thing is working really well today." "I was able to filter out all the particles in the air basically back down to what I saw last week within a matter of minutes," she added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires pushes residents towards DIY air purifiers. Are they safe?

As Canada hurtles towards its worst wildfire season in history, a conspiracy theory has taken off online claiming environmentalists intentionally set some of the blazes.&nbsp;

"I bet a good portion of the wildfires raging across the country were started by green terrorists who want to give their climate change campaign a little boost," Maxime Bernier, a former foreign minister-turned fringe party leader, said in a June 5 tweet. &nbsp;

So far in 2023, Canada has seen larger wildfires than any previous year at this point in the season, with more than three million hectares burned. Tens of thousands of people have evacuated as a result.

On TikTok, a video already viewed almost 20,000 times, claims the fires in Nova Scotia were set "on purpose to push a climate change agenda."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faced-with-smoke-from-canada-fires-people-turn-to-diy-air-purifiers-are-they-safe-602555">Faced with smoke from Canada fires people turn to DIY air purifiers. Are they safe?</a>

One article speculates that since 90 per cent of Alberta's fires could be "human-caused," there is a possibility that "ecoterrorists" may be behind them.&nbsp;

As wildfires spread in Quebec, some questioned how all the blazes could have started on the same day. One Facebook video with more than one million views blames "a terrorist attack" for the flames.

But Karine Pelletier from the province's Forest Fire Protection Agency said the causes are still under investigation.&nbsp;

"There are a lot which are caused by humans, but these are almost always accidents," she said, noting that recent lightning strikes were to blame for many of Quebec’s wildfires. &nbsp;

Alberta Wildfire told AFP that unless lightning is involved, a blaze is classified as human-caused. This does not exclusively mean arson.

"It could be related to general causes, including agriculture, forest industry, powerlines, or oil and gas industry, railroad or residential wildfires," said spokeswoman Melissa Story.&nbsp;

Nova Scotia officials have also said they are still investigating the origins of the province’s fires, which are presumed to be human-caused.&nbsp;

"Human-caused fires can be accidental, intentional or undetermined," said Heather Fairbairn, a spokeswoman for the Office of the Fire Marshal of Nova Scotia. "Certainly, we are seeing the impacts of climate change which can increase fire risks."

<h2>False narrative</h2>

Conspiracy theorists have repeatedly tried to pin devastating wildfire seasons on politically motivated arsonists.&nbsp;

During Australia's Black Summer of 2020, social media users misleadingly cited arson statistics from a prior year to blame unconnected crimes for the season’s bushfires. &nbsp;

In California in 2021, arsonists were behind several wildfires -- but there is no evidence they were pushing a climate change agenda, as some people claimed online.&nbsp;

Chris Russill, a professor at Carleton University studying climate change communication, said the ecoterrorist theory may have once had some basis in truth, but "then that gets exaggerated in its importance or significance."&nbsp;

Such is the case in Canada, where some social media users are citing genuine reports of suspicious fires to spin conspiracy theories about unrelated events and locations.&nbsp;

<h2>Climate Change</h2>

On top of purported vigilantism, some falsely theorize that the Canadian government is starting wildfires, either to advance its climate change policies or to force citizens into cities where it will be easier to impose "climate lockdowns."&nbsp;

Russill tied those fears to Canada's signing of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which raised alarm about the impending climate crisis.&nbsp;

As the Liberal government implemented stricter climate caps and taxes over the past decade, Russill said people in Canada's natural resource industries have grown defensive. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"This grievance isn't actually always about a global fear of shadowy UN elites or eco-vigilantes, even though that's how this gets taken up and incubated in this sort of narrative," he said. "It's expressing the fact that the relationship to the federal government and the provinces has become more insistent and more forceful."

Social media posts insist "arson not climate change" is responsible for the wildfires, but Natural Resources Canada told reporters June 5 that this fire season was exacerbated by hot, dry and windy conditions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildland fires and creating longer fire seasons," said Mike Norton, director general of the Canadian Forestry Centre.&nbsp;

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As Canada hurtles towards its worst wildfire season in history, a conspiracy theory has taken off online claiming environmentalists intentionally set some of the blazes.

As Canada hurtles towards its worst wildfire season in history, a conspiracy theory has taken off online claiming environmentalists intentionally set some of the blazes. "I bet a good portion of the wildfires raging across the country were started by green terrorists who want to give their climate change campaign a little boost," Maxime Bernier, a former foreign minister-turned fringe party leader, said in a June 5 tweet. So far in 2023, Canada has seen larger wildfires than any previous year at this point in the season, with more than three million hectares burned. Tens of thousands of people have evacuated as a result. On TikTok, a video already viewed almost 20,000 times, claims the fires in Nova Scotia were set "on purpose to push a climate change agenda." Also read | Faced with smoke from Canada fires people turn to DIY air purifiers. Are they safe? One article speculates that since 90 per cent of Alberta's fires could be "human-caused," there is a possibility that "ecoterrorists" may be behind them. As wildfires spread in Quebec, some questioned how all the blazes could have started on the same day. One Facebook video with more than one million views blames "a terrorist attack" for the flames. But Karine Pelletier from the province's Forest Fire Protection Agency said the causes are still under investigation. "There are a lot which are caused by humans, but these are almost always accidents," she said, noting that recent lightning strikes were to blame for many of Quebec’s wildfires. Alberta Wildfire told AFP that unless lightning is involved, a blaze is classified as human-caused. This does not exclusively mean arson. "It could be related to general causes, including agriculture, forest industry, powerlines, or oil and gas industry, railroad or residential wildfires," said spokeswoman Melissa Story. Nova Scotia officials have also said they are still investigating the origins of the province’s fires, which are presumed to be human-caused. "Human-caused fires can be accidental, intentional or undetermined," said Heather Fairbairn, a spokeswoman for the Office of the Fire Marshal of Nova Scotia. "Certainly, we are seeing the impacts of climate change which can increase fire risks." False narrative Conspiracy theorists have repeatedly tried to pin devastating wildfire seasons on politically motivated arsonists. During Australia's Black Summer of 2020, social media users misleadingly cited arson statistics from a prior year to blame unconnected crimes for the season’s bushfires. In California in 2021, arsonists were behind several wildfires -- but there is no evidence they were pushing a climate change agenda, as some people claimed online. Chris Russill, a professor at Carleton University studying climate change communication, said the ecoterrorist theory may have once had some basis in truth, but "then that gets exaggerated in its importance or significance." Such is the case in Canada, where some social media users are citing genuine reports of suspicious fires to spin conspiracy theories about unrelated events and locations. Climate Change On top of purported vigilantism, some falsely theorize that the Canadian government is starting wildfires, either to advance its climate change policies or to force citizens into cities where it will be easier to impose "climate lockdowns." Russill tied those fears to Canada's signing of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which raised alarm about the impending climate crisis. As the Liberal government implemented stricter climate caps and taxes over the past decade, Russill said people in Canada's natural resource industries have grown defensive. "This grievance isn't actually always about a global fear of shadowy UN elites or eco-vigilantes, even though that's how this gets taken up and incubated in this sort of narrative," he said. "It's expressing the fact that the relationship to the federal government and the provinces has become more insistent and more forceful." Social media posts insist "arson not climate change" is responsible for the wildfires, but Natural Resources Canada told reporters June 5 that this fire season was exacerbated by hot, dry and windy conditions. "Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildland fires and creating longer fire seasons," said Mike Norton, director general of the Canadian Forestry Centre. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Canada wildfires spark 'ecoterrorist' conspiracy theory

Millions of people across North America are facing high-risk air quality warnings due to ongoing wildfires in Canada. On Tuesday (June 6), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 222 on the 0-500 scale, New York, as per IQAir, was officially the most polluted major city in the world. As per the Swiss air quality company at around 1:25 am, AQI in New York was higher than those in the Indian capital Delhi and Iraq's Baghdad.

Smoke from the Canada fires has covered major cities in Ontario and Quebec, including Toronto and its surrounding areas. The smoke has even reached as far as New York City and Connecticut, where the air quality has been classified as "unhealthy."&nbsp;

<h2>Where is the smoke coming from?</h2>

The majority of the smoke is originating from Quebec, where, as per Reuters, more than 150 wildfires are currently burning. Ottawa, the Canadian capital, received the strongest warning from Environment Canada, declaring the air quality as a "very high risk" to people's health.&nbsp;

A video posted by Twitter user Abe Bourgi on Tuesday morning shows an orange haze hanging over Canada’s capital Ottawa. Take a look:

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Ottawa this morning.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ottawa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ottawa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smog</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wildfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wildfire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/forestfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#forestfire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ottawaNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ottawaNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ctvottawa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ctvottawa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CTVNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CTVNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CTVOttMornLive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CTVOttMornLive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOttawa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CBCOttawa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CityNewsOttawa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CityNewsOttawa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ottawacity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ottawacity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/environmentca?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@environmentca</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ottawaNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ottawaNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/SOxBgQzZCr">pic.twitter.com/SOxBgQzZCr</a>
— Abe Bourgi (@boodythebest) <a href="https://twitter.com/boodythebest/status/1666044545027518464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"We are experiencing a situation never seen... everywhere in Quebec," warned Quebec's public safety minister Francois Bonnardel. As per AFP, he&nbsp;stressed that&nbsp;human carelessness sparked&nbsp;a large number of these wildfires.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-orange-haze-from-canada-wildfires-shroud-parts-of-us-601590">In Pics | Orange haze from Canada wildfires shroud parts of US</a>

"Western Canada usually sees a lot of wildfire activity. Quebec doesn't," he remarked, adding,&nbsp;"But right now everything is on fire."

<h2>Air quality and the risky areas</h2>

In Toronto and its surroundings, air, as per BBC, has been classified as "high-risk" areas. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified the air quality in many parts of the northeastern US as "unhealthy," particularly for individuals with respiratory issues.&nbsp;

The advisories stretch from New York City and Connecticut to Boston, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC.&nbsp;

<img alt="Ottawa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4a6fc1cf-d83c-4584-a1d1-352e84272e48" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_22.png" />

Pic: Ottawa&nbsp;skies&nbsp;turn&nbsp;orange as wildfires continue to burn. (Image credit: Collage created using image posted by Twitter user @cest_nat_)

Some regions, such as eastern Pennsylvania, New York, and New England, have experienced an Air Quality Index surpassing 200, indicating "very unhealthy" conditions for everyone.&nbsp;

The deteriorating air quality has led to the relocation of individuals with asthma and respiratory issues in the Atikamekw community of Opitciwan, located 350 km north of Montreal in Quebec.&nbsp;

<h2>Orange skies</h2>

Photos and videos taken in New York City show an orange haze enveloping the skyline as the wildfire smoke from Canada travels south.&nbsp;

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This is what the sunrise over New York looked like today due to wildfire smoke coming over from Canada. Air quality levels are at unhealthy, at over 10 times the guidelines recommended by the WHO. This is the reality of living through the climate crisis. <a href="https://t.co/Uww89UPGnZ">pic.twitter.com/Uww89UPGnZ</a>
— Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) <a href="https://twitter.com/luckytran/status/1666104652297846784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Public health officials are urging people to refrain from outdoor exercise and minimise exposure to smoke due to the immediate and long-term health risks it poses.&nbsp;

<h2>An active wildfire season</h2>

BBC reports that Canada is experiencing a more active wildfire season than usual, with federal officials warning that this summer may see the country's largest fires yet due to the dry and hot conditions forecasted.&nbsp;

The fires across the country have already burned over 3.3 million hectares of land, which is 12 times the 10-year average for this time of year.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-wildfires-this-is-a-scary-time-says-pm-justin-trudeau-599857">Canada wildfires: 'This is a scary time,' says PM Justin Trudeau</a>

Evacuations have taken place across the country, including in Quebec, where approximately 200,000 hectares have been burned so far.&nbsp;Major fires are also raging in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories.

So far, in 2023, there have been 422 fires in the Quebec province. These fires have affected 226,084 hectares.

<h2>Health risks&nbsp;</h2>

Exposure to wildfire smoke can have various health effects, according to experts.

Speaking to BBC, professor Matthew Adams, the director of the Centre of Urban Environments at the University of Toronto, explained that the immediate effects of inhaling wildfire smoke include shortness of breath, elevated pulse, chest pain, and inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat.&nbsp;

"On these elevated air pollution days, we'll see an increased number of visits to hospital," Adams told BBC, adding that this will be particularly true for individuals with pre-existing respiratory diseases.&nbsp;

<img alt="New york skies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="802786c9-ba76-4f9d-b04b-f0cfa27631be" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_31.png" />

Pic: New York skies&nbsp;get heavy with pollution as smoke from wildfires in Canada shroud North America. (Image credit: Collage created using image posted by Twitter user @andrewnazdin)

Adams also highlights the long-term health issues associated with wildfire smoke, such as cancer and lung disease, especially for those residing in areas prone to frequent forest fires.&nbsp;

The smoke contains small particles that can enter the bloodstream and other parts of the body, potentially causing DNA mutations and other health problems. Studies have indicated that prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can also impact pregnant women and their unborn children.&nbsp;

Adams suggested that individuals in cities located far from the fires but under air advisories should limit outdoor exercise and stay indoors to reduce exposure. While&nbsp;those in areas closer to the fires should wear N95 masks outside to minimise inhalation of smoke particles. Additionally, he said installing HEPA filters and improving ventilation inside homes can also help.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Millions of people across North America are facing high-risk air quality warnings due to ongoing wildfires in Canada. On Tuesday (June 6), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 222 on the 0-500 scale, New York, as per IQAir, was officially the most polluted major city in the world.

Millions of people across North America are facing high-risk air quality warnings due to ongoing wildfires in Canada. On Tuesday (June 6), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 222 on the 0-500 scale, New York, as per IQAir, was officially the most polluted major city in the world. As per the Swiss air quality company at around 1:25 am, AQI in New York was higher than those in the Indian capital Delhi and Iraq's Baghdad. Smoke from the Canada fires has covered major cities in Ontario and Quebec, including Toronto and its surrounding areas. The smoke has even reached as far as New York City and Connecticut, where the air quality has been classified as "unhealthy." Where is the smoke coming from? The majority of the smoke is originating from Quebec, where, as per Reuters, more than 150 wildfires are currently burning. Ottawa, the Canadian capital, received the strongest warning from Environment Canada, declaring the air quality as a "very high risk" to people's health. A video posted by Twitter user Abe Bourgi on Tuesday morning shows an orange haze hanging over Canada’s capital Ottawa. Take a look: Ottawa this morning.#ottawa #smog #wildfire #forestfire #ottawaNews @ctvottawa @CTVNews @CTVOttMornLive @CBCOttawa @CityNewsOttawa @ottawacity @environmentca #ottawaNews pic.twitter.com/SOxBgQzZCr — Abe Bourgi (@boodythebest) June 6, 2023 × "We are experiencing a situation never seen... everywhere in Quebec," warned Quebec's public safety minister Francois Bonnardel. As per AFP, he stressed that human carelessness sparked a large number of these wildfires. Also read | In Pics | Orange haze from Canada wildfires shroud parts of US "Western Canada usually sees a lot of wildfire activity. Quebec doesn't," he remarked, adding, "But right now everything is on fire." Air quality and the risky areas In Toronto and its surroundings, air, as per BBC, has been classified as "high-risk" areas. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified the air quality in many parts of the northeastern US as "unhealthy," particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. The advisories stretch from New York City and Connecticut to Boston, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC. Pic: Ottawa skies turn orange as wildfires continue to burn. (Image credit: Collage created using image posted by Twitter user @cest_nat_) Some regions, such as eastern Pennsylvania, New York, and New England, have experienced an Air Quality Index surpassing 200, indicating "very unhealthy" conditions for everyone. The deteriorating air quality has led to the relocation of individuals with asthma and respiratory issues in the Atikamekw community of Opitciwan, located 350 km north of Montreal in Quebec. Orange skies Photos and videos taken in New York City show an orange haze enveloping the skyline as the wildfire smoke from Canada travels south. This is what the sunrise over New York looked like today due to wildfire smoke coming over from Canada. Air quality levels are at unhealthy, at over 10 times the guidelines recommended by the WHO. This is the reality of living through the climate crisis. pic.twitter.com/Uww89UPGnZ — Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) June 6, 2023 × Public health officials are urging people to refrain from outdoor exercise and minimise exposure to smoke due to the immediate and long-term health risks it poses. An active wildfire season BBC reports that Canada is experiencing a more active wildfire season than usual, with federal officials warning that this summer may see the country's largest fires yet due to the dry and hot conditions forecasted. The fires across the country have already burned over 3.3 million hectares of land, which is 12 times the 10-year average for this time of year. Also read | Canada wildfires: 'This is a scary time,' says PM Justin Trudeau Evacuations have taken place across the country, including in Quebec, where approximately 200,000 hectares have been burned so far. Major fires are also raging in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories. So far, in 2023, there have been 422 fires in the Quebec province. These fires have affected 226,084 hectares. Health risks Exposure to wildfire smoke can have various health effects, according to experts. Speaking to BBC, professor Matthew Adams, the director of the Centre of Urban Environments at the University of Toronto, explained that the immediate effects of inhaling wildfire smoke include shortness of breath, elevated pulse, chest pain, and inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat. "On these elevated air pollution days, we'll see an increased number of visits to hospital," Adams told BBC, adding that this will be particularly true for individuals with pre-existing respiratory diseases. Pic: New York skies get heavy with pollution as smoke from wildfires in Canada shroud North America. (Image credit: Collage created using image posted by Twitter user @andrewnazdin) Adams also highlights the long-term health issues associated with wildfire smoke, such as cancer and lung disease, especially for those residing in areas prone to frequent forest fires. The smoke contains small particles that can enter the bloodstream and other parts of the body, potentially causing DNA mutations and other health problems. Studies have indicated that prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can also impact pregnant women and their unborn children. Adams suggested that individuals in cities located far from the fires but under air advisories should limit outdoor exercise and stay indoors to reduce exposure. While those in areas closer to the fires should wear N95 masks outside to minimise inhalation of smoke particles. Additionally, he said installing HEPA filters and improving ventilation inside homes can also help. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Orange skies, smoke & ‘unhealthy’ air plague Canada, N. America, as 160 wildfires rage in Ottawa

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Explained: Orange skies, smoke & ‘unhealthy’ air plague Canada, N. America, as 160 wildfires rage in Ottawa