Canada wildfires: Smoke spreads across America; heat waves, health risks, air quality alerts, July 4 holiday flight schedules, all you need to know

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

The intense heat and dryness of the spring led to significant fuel accumulation in Canada's boreal forest, consisting of dry vegetation and dead branches. These fires produce dense smoke, emitting high levels of carbon monoxide. The climate impact is severe, as the boreal forest releases 10 to 20 times more carbon per unit area burned than other ecosystems. Since early May, hundreds of forest fires have generated approximately 600 million tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to 88 percent of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions from all sources in 2021, as reported by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).

Wildfire smoke poses a greater health risk compared to other types of smoke and air pollution due to its toxic composition. The fine particles in the smoke can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, causing concerns for human health. The smoke from forest fires contains various pollutants such as ozone, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and PM2.5 fine particles, making it hazardous for everyone, as emphasized by experts and officials. Certain individuals, including young children, pregnant women, smokers, seniors, and those with chronic health issues, are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of wildfire smoke, according to warnings issued by the Canadian government. The ultra-fine particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, leading to inflammation. In addition to physical health risks, wildfire smoke can also impact mental health, mood, and anxiety. The smoke particles released during wildfires contain a higher concentration of carbon-based pollutants in various chemical forms, which can spread over long distances. This smoke