Canadian Wildfires Trigger Hazy Skies and Health Concerns in North Jersey

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, North Jersey residents may be noticing hazy skies and reduced air quality this week—and it’s not just the weather. Smoke from dozens of out-of-control wildfires in Canada is drifting into parts of the United States, including New Jersey and New York City, raising both environmental and public health alarms.

188 Active Wildfires Rage Across Canada

As of June 2, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) reported 188 active wildfires, with 96 listed as “out of control.” The fires are burning across multiple provinces:

• British Columbia: 69 fires

• Alberta: 49 fires

• Manitoba: 25 fires

• Ontario: 14 fires

• Saskatchewan: 13 fires

• Others scattered throughout the country

Canada is currently at a National Preparedness Level 5, the highest level, indicating severe wildfire activity across jurisdictions and a shortage of firefighting resources—prompting international support.

Rutgers Study Links Canadian Wildfires to U.S. Health Risks

A groundbreaking study by Rutgers Health has revealed that toxic particulate matter from wildfires is severely impacting air quality in North Jersey and NYC. The research, published in Environmental Science & Technology, provides first-of-its-kind data on how climate-driven wildfires affect urban air quality in the densely populated Northeast.

Key findings include:

• Ultrafine and fine particulate matter (PM) exceeded 10x national air quality standards during the June 7, 2023 wildfire event.

• Presence of high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), cancer-causing chemicals, in the smoke.

• A 72-hour exposure could deposit over 9 micrograms of PM10 into a person’s lungs.

Why Wildfire Smoke Is More Dangerous Than You Think

According to lead author Dr. Jose Guillermo “Memo” Cedeño Laurent, climate-fueled wildfires are reversing decades of clean air progress in the U.S.

“Particulate matter is a leading environmental factor in global disease burden,” said Dr. Cedeño Laurent.

Senior author Dr. Philip Demokritou, an expert in nanoscience and public health, warned that ultrafine particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and organs, increasing risks for:

• Respiratory illnesses

• Cardiovascular complications

• Neurological impacts

• Reproductive health disorders

Broader Health Implications Under Investigation

Ongoing research across multiple institutions is now studying how wildfire smoke affects different organ systems:

• Lungs: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

• Heart: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

• Brain: National University of Singapore

• Reproductive System: Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy

The findings are expected to shape public health strategies and risk assessments for communities exposed to wildfire smoke.

Wildfires and Climate Change: A Feedback Loop?

Beyond human health, the optical and chemical properties of wildfire smoke are also under scrutiny. A companion study led by Georgios Kelesidis at Rutgers explores how particulate matter affects Earth’s temperature, potentially fueling more climate change and creating a vicious cycle of extreme weather and wildfires.

What Can North Jersey Residents Do?

With hazy skies becoming more common due to wildfire smoke, experts recommend:

• Monitoring air quality via apps like AirNow or IQAir

• Staying indoors on high AQI days

• Using air purifiers with HEPA filters

• Wearing N95 masks if going outside during smoke events

• Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

Final Takeaway: A Public Health Crisis in the Making

The recent Rutgers study underscores a sobering truth: Wildfire pollution poses an escalating threat to urban health, especially in areas already struggling with air quality.

“Results from our study can be used by public health assessors to evaluate risk and develop strategies,” said Dr. Demokritou.

As climate-driven wildfires increase in frequency and intensity, it’s clear that understanding—and mitigating—their effects is essential for both environmental and human health.

Stay updated on state and national news that affects you. From politics to policy, from culture to current affairs, our eBlast will keep you well-informed . http://eepurl.com/bgt6T #RidgewoodBlog #News #LocalNews #StateNews #NationalNews #Subscribe #StayInformed #Community