Canadian Wildfires Trigger Air Quality Alerts Northeast US

Air Quality Alerts have been issued across parts of Pennsylvania, New York, and surrounding regions due to smoke from ongoing wildfires in central Canada, which has caused elevated levels of fine particulate matter and ozone pollution. These conditions have resulted in Code ORANGE air quality alerts, indicating air pollution levels that may be unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart and lung diseases. New York State has reported visible smoke and hazy skies, with pollution levels expected to surpass an Air Quality Index of 100, and in some areas potentially exceeding 150, prompting advisories to limit outdoor activities. Health officials warn that fine particulate matter and ozone can cause irritation and exacerbate respiratory and heart conditions, urging residents to use air conditioning or fans to maintain clean indoor air. While Pennsylvania remains under alert through at least midnight on August 5th, New York's advisory extends through Monday night with possible spikes continuing into Tuesday. Despite no alerts issued by Maryland and West Virginia, areas like the Hagerstown Valley may still experience poor air quality as the smoke moves across the northeastern and eastern seaboard.