Smoke from Canadian wildfires is polluting the air in seven states, and people are advised to stay home.

Millions of US residents are advised to stay indoors as smoke from wildfires in Canada blankets areas of the Northeast and Midwest. Air quality there has dropped to dangerous levels, writes Daily MailAir pollution warnings have been issued for Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Wisconsin.

The smoke is coming from Canada, where massive forest fires continue, and is moving south as it spreads into the United States.

Authorities warn that this smoke contains fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. These are microscopic particles of toxic substances, so small that they can penetrate deep into the body and cause respiratory problems.

On the subject: Cities in the western US topped the list of places with the worst air quality in the world

Air quality is forecast to fluctuate between "harmful for sensitive groups" and "very harmful" in some areas. Forecasters admit that in some periods, air quality may briefly reach the maximum "hazardous" category established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Most warnings were in effect until midnight on July 15, with hazardous air pollution expected to continue in Michigan and Wisconsin until July 16.

Doctors recommend residents limit their time outdoors whenever possible, avoid strenuous physical activity, and keep windows closed. Those most at risk are those with asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory conditions, as well as the elderly and young children.

Several states advise using air conditioning systems with high-efficiency filters and paying attention to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and burning eyes.

There are more than 800 active fires burning in Canada this summer, particularly in the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

AccuWeather expert meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said, "Dangerous conditions will continue through July 16th across southern New England, much of New York State, including the New York metropolitan area of ​​Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Smoke will be felt across much of southern Michigan and northern Ohio."

AccuWeather's air quality scale predicts "hazardous" conditions in Rochester and Buffalo, "very hazardous" in Boston, and "hazardous" in New York City and Detroit.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote on the social media site X: "In parts of New York City, air quality has deteriorated to unhealthy levels due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires sweeping through the city. Polluted air affects everyone, but some people are more severely affected—people with heart and lung conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, and children. If possible, avoid outdoor activity and stay in cool, air-conditioned spaces."

Fine particles PM2.5 are considered one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution because they can bypass the body's natural defenses and settle deep in the lungs.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

Exposure to these particles not only causes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, but also can lead to more serious cardiovascular and respiratory problems.

If symptoms appear, residents are advised to consult a doctor.

Read also on ForumDaily:

25 people have died in the United States due to abnormal heat that has set temperature records.

A huge crocodile killed a man at a popular resort in Mexico.

A man drowned a Tesla Cybertruck to see if it could cross a lake.

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.