Air Quality Concerns: Wildfires in Canada Impacting Pennsylvania and West Virginia

Haze from Canadian wildfires has caused unhealthy air quality in West Virginia, with some residents reporting a strange smell resembling chemicals or plastic. While wood fires emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that create a campfire smell, these compounds break down when exposed to sunlight. However, VOCs like benzene, formaldehyde, and acrolein, which are released by the fires, break down more slowly and are likely responsible for the plastic-like odor. The smell can persist for a few days after the fire. The Midwest region, including New York and Minnesota, has also been affected by the Canadian wildfire smoke.