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New York issues air quality alert as smoke from Canadian wildfires shrouds landmarks

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People in New York are being warned to limit outdoor activity as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts across many areas of the northeastern US.

Air quality in the state is now “unhealthy”, according to the Environment Protection Agency, and a murky haze has descended over landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.

Unusually early and intense wildfires in Canada’s Quebec province are to blame – more than 150 forest fires were burning on Tuesday – and over 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate.

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New York’s Times Square
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Much of the northeastern US is suffering with poor air quality. Pic: airnow.gov

Lightning is said to have started many of the fires.

US authorities said residents with heart or lung disease, older people and children should keep outdoor activities short, and that others should reduce the amount they’re active or exercising.

New York state, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Washington DC area are among the states with an “unhealthy” fine particulate matter reading (PM 2.5).

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People have been advised to limit strenuous outdoor activities. Pic: AP
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Floodlights lit up the haze at the New York Yankees game. Pic: AP

Toronto, Canada’s biggest city, also warned residents about the air quality and tourists at the CN Tower were met with a murky orange vista rather than clear early-summer skies.

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An eerie haze also hung over the New York Yankees’ game against Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.

There was an even starker air warning in Canadian capital Ottawa, where officials ranked it category 10+, indicating “very high risk”.

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The viewing gallery at the top of the CN Tower
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A murky haze has been hanging over Toronto

Wildfires are common in Canada’s west, but this year the east has seen significant fires – and more than 110 are said to be out of control.

Some 3.3 million hectares have already burned – about 13 times the 10-year average – and more than 120,000 people have been forced to leave home.

Chibougamau, a remote Quebec town of about 7,500, was the latest to be evacuated late on Tuesday.

What’s the risk from the pollution?

Fine particulate matter, known as PM 2.5, is about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair and can be blown long distances.

It can cause throat and lung irritation and worsen conditions such as asthma or heart disease. The particles can also disturb the eyes and nose.

Children can be particularly sensitive as their lungs are still developing and they breathe in more air per unit of body weight. Older people can also struggle more than others.

Where does PM 2.5 pollution come from?

Primarily from vehicle exhausts, but also any other operations that burn fuels such as coal or wood – including forest or grass fires.

How can you reduce the risk?

Try to avoid outdoor exercise or exertion. Consider wearing a N95-rated face mask to reduce your exposure if you have to go outside.

Keep windows, doors and fireplace shut and run any air-con units on a recirculation setting. An air purifier in the home could also help people who are especially vulnerable.

“We’re following all of this from hour to hour, obviously,” said Quebec Premier FranCois Legault.

“If we look at the situation in Quebec as a whole, there are several places where it is still worrying.”

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He said the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region in the northwest of the province Quebec was a particular concern.

The US, Mexico, France and South Africa are among those who have sent firefighters to help – but no rain is immediately forecast meaning the fires are likely to be tougher to extinguish.

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