Still have a stockpile of masks from the pandemic?
They may come in handy this summer, as seen in cities along the East Coast this week with people again putting on masks to deal with the hazardous smoke from the raging Canadian wildfires.
The smoke and haze conditions have drastically improved in Massachusetts since Tuesday, but meteorologists warn that the wildfire smoke could return in waves over the next several weeks.
When those high concentrations of smoke come back, masks will help reduce peoples’ exposure to the PM2.5 air pollution from wildfires, according to John Rogan, professor of geography at Clark University in Worcester.
“If people are outside, wearing masks during those hazardous air quality days will be important,” Rogan, whose recent research projects have involved mapping wildfire burn severity in southern California and southeastern Arizona, told the Herald on Thursday.
He noted that N95 respirator masks offer far greater protection than cloth masks.
Nova Scotia and Quebec have already seen record fires this season, leading to the massive plumes of smoke from up north impacting the U.S. East Coast.
This wildfire anomaly was sparked by a prolonged drought and lightning strikes from storms. More wildfire burning is expected this summer.
“It’s unprecedented what’s going on in Quebec,” Rogan said. “And cities are getting pummeled by these large smoke plumes that are dense on the ground.”
He noted that tall buildings in cities are acting as canyons for that smoke.
“It’s a very serious threat,” he added, emphasizing the impact on those with respiratory conditions.
Many have wondered about the smoke’s impact on dogs and cats. When the poor air quality returns, owners should limit how much time their pets spend outside, said Meg Whelan, chief medical officer of Angell Animal Medical Center.
Owners could also wipe down their pet with a warm washcloth, she added.
Some cats have asthma, and these conditions can be “a trigger for pets that are sensitive,” Whelan said.
As far as the near-term weather forecast, wildfire smoke from Canada will continue to influence fine particle levels in parts of Massachusetts on Friday.
“Fine particle levels will likely average in the Moderate range over much of the State with Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups levels likely in southeast areas of the State,” the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection wrote in an air quality alert.
President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to “offer additional help putting out these fires, particularly those in Quebec that have severe impacts on American communities,” the president tweeted.
Biden also tweeted, “Folks, head to AirNow.gov to stay up-to-date with the air quality in your area and take the right precautions to help keep you and your family safe.”
