Air Quality from Canadian Fires, Mon – Tue: Moderate, possibly Unhealthy

At Providence, air pollution from particulate matter at least 2.5µm (PM2.5) is expected to reach “moderate” levels (51-100) Mon and Tue as a result of continuing wildfires in Canada, possibly reaching “unhealthy for sensitive groups” (101-150) or even “unhealthy” (151-200) levels. This is a return of conditions seen a few weeks ago that resulted in noticeable colored haze and disturbed asthma sufferers and others. Regions far to the west, especially in upstate New York, will be much more severely affected.

In a statement issued Sun, Jul 16, at 4:15pm, the RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) said, “Fire smoke that has been to our west will be moving into our area during the late afternoon and evening. There also could be some hours of UNHEALHTY readings, with the highest in western portions of RI… MODERATE fine particles are expected for Tuesday and Wednesday with some degree of smoke impacts.”

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Some particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into your lungs and some may even get into your bloodstream. Of these, particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as fine particles or PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to health. Fine particles are also the main cause of reduced visibility (haze) in parts of the United States, including many of our treasured national parks and wilderness areas.”