The Impact of Canadian Wildfires on Air Quality in the US
TL;DR Summary
Residents in western Pennsylvania are reporting a burning plastic smell as smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the area. However, the smell is not caused by actual burning plastic but rather by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the smoke interacting with UV radiation from the sun. This chemical reaction produces toxic compounds like benzene and formaldehyde, which can have adverse effects on human and animal health. The smoke is causing harmful air quality in the region, with Pennsylvania and other states expected to experience several days of smoky skies.
- There’s a reason you might smell burning plastic in the wildfire smoke PennLive
- Canada Wildfires: Live Updates on Air Quality and Smoke in U.S. Cities The New York Times
- Smoke from Canadian wildfires hangs over US Midwest • FRANCE 24 English FRANCE 24 English
- Rainfall won't be enough to extinguish Canadian wildfires Chicago Tribune
- What to Know About Canadian Wildfires and U.S. Air Quality The New York Times
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