The Midwest of the United States was covered in fine dust for a second day in the aftermath of Canada’s worst wildfires. According to the New York Times on the 28th, Detroit’s air quality index measured by the US Environmental Protection Agency soared to 337 that day.
The index measures between 0 and 500, and the higher the number, the worse the air quality. Anything over 300 is considered ‘dangerous’. Cleveland also scored an AQI of 272, and several cities in Wisconsin also exceeded the ‘very unhealthy’ standard of 200.
Chicago, engulfed in wildfire smoke for the second day, was difficult to see as the high-rise skyline and Lake Michigan were hazy. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson urged residents, especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable people with heart or lung disease, to stay indoors whenever possible.
According to air quality analysis company IQ Air, as of 2:00 p.m. on the same day, three of the top five cities with poor air quality among major cities around the world (Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis) are in the Midwest of the United States.
Washington DC also made it into the ‘Top 10’ at No. 8. Currently, 11 states in the United States have issued air quality warnings. Wisconsin has issued statewide alerts, and Minnesota has issued its 23rd air quality alert this year, already breaking the record for the most in a year.
Not only the Midwest, such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, but also the eastern regions, such as Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and western New York, were also affected by the Canadian forest fire smoke.
About 87 million Americans live in areas where air quality has been affected by the wildfires in Canada, NBC reported.
There are 487 wildfires sweeping across Canada, of which 253 are out of control, authorities said. The damage from these wildfires could increase as the hot summer weather kicks in, experts warn.