Specialists from MIT elucidate the ramifications of the ongoing wildfires in Canada and their contribution to atmospheric pollution. These wildfires, they suggest, are driven by climate change and human activities, predicting an escalation in fire incidents in the coming months. The researchers underscore the health hazards of fine particulate matter and advise temporary strategies such as limiting exposure outdoors and the use of face masks. Long-term solutions, they suggest, must tackle climate change and introduce land management techniques to curb wildfires.
As the consequences of Canada’s wildfires are being felt in downwind regions, experts from MIT provide insights into the future trends in the wake of the ongoing wildfire season.
Where there’s fire, there’s smoke. With the progression of climate change, however, wildfires are becoming more extensive and long-lasting, sending smoke further from their origin, often reaching areas that are unfamiliar with such exposure. This has been the recent scenario as smoke from Canada’s extensive wildfires keeps moving southward, causing hazardous air quality alerts and poor visibility in New England, the mid-Atlantic, and the Midwest.
With the wildfire season just beginning, many are left questioning: Is this air pollution caused by wildfires the new norm?
MIT News conversed with Professor Colette Heald from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, and Professor Noelle Selin from the Institute for Data, Systems and Society and the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. Prof. Heald, who specializes in atmospheric chemistry, has examined the climate and health effects linked with recent wildfires, while Prof. Selin uses atmospheric models to track global air pollutants, information she employs to shape policy decisions on pollution and climate change mitigation. They shared their perspectives on the immediate impacts of Canada’s ongoing wildfires and what downwind regions might expect in the months to come as the wildfire season extends into summer.
Q: How have climate change and human activities influenced the wildfires witnessed this year?
Heald: This year, Canada has experienced remarkably warm and dry conditions that have significantly enhanced the likelihood of wildfires. Such conditions are more probable due to human-induced climate change. Smoke from fires in Alberta and Nova Scotia in May, and Quebec in early June, has led to some of the poorest air quality recorded in Canada. This same smoke has drifted into the United States, deteriorating the air quality here too. Local officials have identified lightning strikes as the ignition source for some fires, but human activities have also been linked to the initiation of some fires in Alberta.
Q: What predictions can we make for the upcoming months regarding the spread of wildfires and the consequent air pollution across the United States?
Heald: The Canadian Government anticipates a higher-than-usual fire activity during the 2023 fire season. Fire susceptibility will continue to adjust according to weather changes, and whether the U.S. gets affected will hinge on wind directions and air transport patterns. Although the U.S. fire season has so far been below average, the risk of fire is expected to rise slightly through the summer, potentially leading to local smoke effects as well.
Q: How has wildfire-induced air pollution impacted human health in the U.S. this year?
Selin: The most concerning pollutant in wildfire smoke is fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – tiny atmospheric particles that can be deeply inhaled into the lungs, causing health problems. PM2.5 exposure can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and premature deaths. It can also induce symptoms like coughing and breathing difficulties. This week, New England residents have been exposed to significantly higher PM2.5 concentrations than usual. Vulnerable individuals are likely experiencing more severe effects, including older adults and those with pre-existing conditions. However, PM2.5 affects everyone. While the number and severity of wildfires fluctuate annually, their associated air pollution typically leads to tens of thousands of premature deaths in the U.S. each year. There is also some evidence indicating that PM2.5 from fires could be particularly harmful to health.
While we in New England usually experience relatively lower pollution levels, it’s vital to recognize that many cities worldwide face extremely high PM2.5 levels regularly, not just from wildfires but also from other sources like power plants and industries. Thus, while we are dealing with the impacts over the past few days, we must remember the broader significance of reducing PM2.5 levels globally for everyone’s health.
Q: What can we do to mitigate the effects of air pollution associated with wildfires as firefighters directly combat the fires this season? What long-term strategies can we implement to minimize or prevent wildfire impacts?
Selin: In the short term, it’s crucial to protect yourself from PM2.5 impacts. Strategies to minimize exposure include limiting outdoor time, avoiding outdoor exercise, and wearing high-quality masks. Indoor air filters can help reduce particle concentrations. These measures are particularly essential for vulnerable groups. It’s also worth noting that these strategies aren’t feasible for everyone—for instance, people who work outdoors—which underscores the need to devise new strategies to address the root causes of increasing wildfires.
For the long term, it’s imperative to address climate change because warm and dry conditions contribute to wildfires, and warming enhances fire risks. Preventing human-triggered fires can also help. Another long-term solution is to explore land management strategies that can help control fire intensity.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wildfire Impacts
What is the main cause of the current wildfires according to the MIT experts?
The researchers attribute the wildfires primarily to climate change and human activities, which have led to unusually warm and dry conditions, increasing the susceptibility of these areas to fires.
What are the short-term measures to protect oneself from wildfire smoke?
Short-term protective measures include limiting time spent outdoors, avoiding outdoor exercise, wearing high-quality masks, and using air filters indoors to reduce particle concentrations.
What are the long-term strategies suggested by the experts for preventing or reducing wildfire impacts?
The experts emphasize the importance of addressing climate change and implementing land management strategies. Because warm and dry conditions lead to wildfires, mitigating climate change is essential to reduce fire risks. Furthermore, preventing human-triggered fires and exploring land management strategies can help control fire intensity.
What are the health risks associated with wildfire smoke?
The most concerning pollutant in wildfire smoke is fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which can be deeply inhaled into the lungs. Exposure to PM2.5 can cause respiratory and cardiovascular damage, including heart attacks and premature deaths, as well as induce symptoms like coughing and breathing difficulties.
How have the wildfires affected air quality in the U.S.?
Smoke from the wildfires in Canada has been transported into the United States, leading to degraded air quality. The pollutant of most concern is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), exposure to which can cause significant health damages. In areas like New England, residents have experienced significantly higher PM2.5 concentrations than usual.
More about Wildfire Impacts
- MIT Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- MIT Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences
- MIT Institute for Data, Systems and Society
- Understanding Wildfires and Climate Change
- Health Risks of Fine Particulate Air Pollution
- Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19
- Government of Canada – Canadian Wildland Fire Information System
- Information on Land Management and Wildfire Prevention
- Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics
7 comments
fighting these fires is tough work and it’s gettin worse every year. folks we gotta act on climate change now before it’s too late. it’s our planet, lets protect it.
Ugh, another reason to stay inside… As if covid wasn’t enough. But seriously, these fires sound scary. I hope everyone’s safe out there.
If this doesn’t wake people up to climate change, I don’t know what will! We must act NOW. Our earth, our responsibility!
woah, didn’t realize how bad these wildfires can get… looks like we’re in for a tough summer. masks on, folks.
Couldn’t agree more on indoor air filters, they are so important! not just for wildfires, but overall air quality at home. Make sure you all get a good one.
The info on PM2.5 is terrifying. didn’t realize that it can cause such severe health issues. Better start wearing my mask more often.
Professor Heald and Professor Selin seem really knowledgable. It’s nice to see such in-depth analysis on this issue. More people need to be aware of this!!