News that Chicago and Detroit have the worlds worst air quality due to the Canadian wildfires is a first for those of us who live here. Wildfires have long been associated with states in the West; California, Oregon, Colorado, but not here. After a little research, however, I’ve come to realize it’s a bigger occurrence than many of us know. The fact is that at this writing there are over 475 active fires across the USA; not all necessarily newsworthy. An astounding 23,000+ wildfires have burned over 650,000 acres so far in 2023.

While a majority are occurring in the West, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, and North Carolina are also currently experiencing fires. Let’s look at a few statistics for 2023 (as of June 28, 2023).

From the Fire, Weather, and Avalanche Center:

“Every year, wildfires burn millions of acres of private, state, and federal lands across the US. They destroy vegetative landscapes, people's properties, and unfortunately lives are lost. All wildfires are either human-caused or started by nature (such as lightning). However, 9 out of every 10 wildfires are human-caused; either unintentionally or sometimes intentionally. In 2020, wildfires burned 10,122,336 acres—averaging 171.7 acres per fire. Since 2000, if you do the math, it averages to 12.7 acres burned every minute!”

In addition, fires emit harmful particulate matter that can further cause serious health issues.

From Youri Benadjaoud:

“Particulate matter (PM) is made up of tiny pieces of solid or liquid in the air including dust, dirt, soot, and smoke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Inhaled particles are typically categorized into two groups: PM10 and PM2.5 – the number representing the size across the particle in micrometers.

These particles are invisible to the human eye. The diameter of a human hair is almost 30 times larger than one of these smaller particles.

While larger particles may irritate your eyes, nose and throat, smaller particles pose an even greater threat. They can seep deep into your lungs or even your blood and cause long-term damage.

"The smaller particles are the dangerous ones. They can cause asthma. They can cause you to have not as good immune responses. You can get more colds, for example, you get more asthma," Dr. Kari Nadeau, a professor at Harvard in the School of Public Health and chair of the Environmental Health Department, told ABC News.

"If you're elderly, you can get more strokes and heart attacks. Over time, it can lead to increased cancer," she added.

In fact, Nadeau estimates an AQI of 150 is equivalent to smoking an estimated seven cigarettes a day for someone spending the majority of their time outdoors.

"We try to do the cigarette equivalent, but most likely the wildfire smoke is much more toxic than a cigarette," Nadeau said.

While those who are more sensitive may be at-risk for severe symptoms, anyone can get sick from wildfire smoke.

Some of the immediate effects include coughing, trouble breathing, a scratchy throat and chest pain, according to the CDC.”

According to the EPA, the types of chemicals emitted from wildfires include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfuric acid, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, sodium chloride, carbon, and more; all toxic and dangerous to human health.

What can you do to ensure the air you breathe in your home is protected when wildfires are active and after?

Keep windows and doors closed.
Change your filter.
Consider changing the fresh air intake to recirculate instead of bringing outdoor air in.
If you don’t have one, you might consider installing a MERV rated 4 to 5” air cleaner.
Change your shoes and clothing after being outdoors so as not to track ash indoors.
Consider cleaning your air ducts after the fires are out.

Additional Resources

Forest Fires; More Common Than You Know