Canadian Wildfire Smoke Linked to Surge in Asthma-Related ER Visits Across the US

Smoke from Canadian wildfires that drifted into the U.S. caused a spike in asthma-related emergency room visits, particularly in the New York area. Three studies conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that asthma-associated ER visits were 17% higher nationally during the days of wildfire smoke. In New York and New Jersey, hospital traffic rose by 46%. The smoke, which contained tiny particles that can cause severe problems for asthmatics, led to an 82% increase in asthma-associated ER visits statewide on the worst air quality day. However, the smoke had lower amounts of some toxic elements found in urban air pollution.