"Wildfire Smoke: A Growing Health Concern Across North America"
Millions of people on the East Coast are being warned to stay indoors and avoid exposure to hazardous smog caused by over 400 untamed wildfires burning over the Canadian border. The smoke is made up of dangerous nanoparticles that can penetrate into the bloodstream, and people have reported side effects including irritation to the eyes and throat and breathing problems. A study found that some Northeast residents are currently breathing air equivalent to smoking an entire pack of cigarettes through the day. AQI scores measure the safety of breathing the atmosphere, and anything over 300 is considered 'hazardous'.