Forest fires in Canada cause apocalyptic pollution in New York and East Coast

In recent days, New York City and much of the East Coast of the United States have suffered a very significant pollution peak. The ambient air took on an exceptional yellow, then orange hue. Where does this pollution come from and why this strange color?

An apocalyptic vision

“Check out this near-incredible time-lapse of wildfire smoke consuming the World Trade Center and the New York skyline,” could we read in a tweet released June 8, 2023 by the US National Weather Service New York NY (see below).

Check out this almost unbelievable time-lapse of wildfire smoke consuming the World Trade Center and the New York City skyline.

Those vulnerable to poor air quality, including seniors and young children, should limit time outdoors if possible.

More: pic.twitter.com/mtKtLun8lN

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) June 7, 2023

The local weather service released very surprising images, showing New York City gradually submerged by a thick yellow, then orange coat in just three hours. Since June 6, however, it is a large part of the east coast of the country which has gradually taken on this hue, giving a impression d’apocalypse. The extent of the phenomenon is such that the buildings have at times almost disappeared under the effect of the fog.

On June 8, 2023, the air quality index (AQI) was 179 in New York, therefore synonymous with peak pollution. Remember that an air quality deemed good is between 0 and 50. Thus, New York posted that day a pollution rate of approximately 22 times higher than the annual guide value of the World Health Organization (WHO). Separately, the city of Wilmington, near Philadelphia, saw a spike at 199, the strongest in the entire region.

A phenomenon that develops over time

The origin of this imposing orange fog is obviously known. Indeed, the origin of the phenomenon is none other than the forest fire season which recently started in Canada. As reminded Here Radio Canada in an article from June 10, 2023, hundreds of thousands of hectares have already been ravaged by a large number of fires across the country. However, it could be that these same fires take several weeks to extinguish completely. In addition, as the map below shows, a good number of very large fires are not yet mastered.

Fumes escaping from the affected areas drift south, and thus the United States. In the places most affected by the pollution peak, exposure to ambient air for several hours is equivalent to smoking between five and ten cigarettes. The authorities organized a distribution of N95 masksthe equivalent of FFP2, intended for the population.

Finally, if the orange tint should not settle permanently in New York and much of the east coast, pollution levels will still remain quite high until the Canadian wildfires die down. Residents will therefore have to be patient.