New York was once again covered by a gray haze and a strong smell of smoke due to the forest fires that remain active in Canada. Pollution raised the air quality index to categories considered harmful and even very harmful to health at different times this Friday.

The smoke, carried hundreds of miles by winds, also affected New Jersey and other areas of the northeastern United States. Authorities asked to reduce outdoor physical activities, keep windows closed and pay special attention to respiratory symptoms.

What does it mean when the air is at harmful levels?

The Air Quality Index, known as AQI, measures the concentration of pollutants and translates those values ​​into risk categories.

When it exceeds 100 points, especially sensitive people may begin to experience effects. Between 151 and 200, the air is considered unhealthy for the entire population, while values ​​above 200 are classified as “very unhealthy.”

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation issues a health warning when fine particulate matter or ozone is expected to exceed level 100. During this episode, the main problem is PM2.5 particles in smoke, which are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and reach the bloodstream.

Who is most at risk

Although anyone can feel discomfort, the effects are usually more intense among:

Symptoms may include eye and throat irritation, cough, headache, chest tightness, tiredness, and difficulty breathing. Local reports described residents with burning eyes and breathing problems as the combination of smoke and heat worsened conditions in the city.

How to protect yourself from smoke

New York authorities recommended limiting time outdoors and avoiding running, cycling or intense exercise while air quality continues to deteriorate.

They also advise closing doors and windows, using air conditioning in recirculation mode, using purifiers with appropriate filters, and avoiding lighting candles, smoking or cooking in ways that generate more smoke inside the home.

Doctors advise wearing a KN95 or N95 mask when it is necessary to stay outside.

In fact, the city distributed free KN95 masks in different public buildings and kept cooling centers open due to the combination of pollution and high temperatures.

When to seek medical attention

A person should consult quickly if they have difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, severe wheezing, dizziness, confusion, or a bluish discoloration of the lips or nails.

Those who use inhalers or other asthma medications should keep them available and follow the treatment prescribed by their doctor. If symptoms worsen or do not improve when entering a closed environment, it may be necessary to seek emergency care.

Hundreds of fires remain active in Canada

The smoke comes from a particularly intense fire season. Canada recorded 858 active forest fires, of which more than a hundred remained out of control, according to data cited by Reuters.

The plumes of smoke moved over large areas of North America and affected cities such as New York, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis and Toronto. Some were among the cities with the worst air quality in the world this week.

Concern before the World Cup final

The episode occurs just two days before the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, which will be played on Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium, in East Rutherford.

The venue is open and expects to receive more than 80,000 spectators, so air conditions are carefully observed. The smoke also affected training and other sports competitions in the United States and Canada, while some games had to change schedules or be suspended.

For now, no changes have been announced in the final. Forecasts anticipate rain and the passage of a front that could disperse some of the smoke before Sunday, although authorities will continue to monitor the evolution of air quality.

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