The New York City was declared the city with the worst air pollution in the world, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
The air quality index of New York City peaked over 150 on Tuesday, which is a hazardous range for vulnerable groups of people who have respiratory challenges.
Notwithstanding this, the city still ranks within the top five cities in the world for having the worst air pollution.
The smoke from wildfires contains tiny particulate matter called PM2.5, which is very disastrous.
The tiny pollutant can enter the bloodstream and deep lung tissue When inhaled.
Moreover, World Health Organization links PM2.5 to a host of health challenges, including asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory illnesses.
In 2016, over 4.2 million premature deaths were associated with fine particulate matter.
Similarly, over ten school districts across Central New York state canceled all outdoor activities and events on Tuesday, including sports and recess. The smoke reached New York from more than 150 wildfires in Quebec, which is twice the average for this time of year. Wildfires in Canada have burned nearly 9 million acres and have doubled this year by comparison.
Detroit was listed as one of the top ten worst locations for air pollution on Tuesday afternoon, whereas Chicago’s air quality remained moderate. On Tuesday, Pittsburgh’s air quality was unhealthy, and an air quality alert was issued all day. Parts of New York and New England remain on air quality alerts, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The National Weather Service in Chicago has stated that active children and adults, especially those with pulmonary and respiratory problems such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor activity.
