Cities across the United States are experiencing severely poor air quality due to wildfires in Canada. Chicago, Detroit, and Washington, D.C. have been ranked as the three cities with the worst air quality in the world. The smoke is expected to continue spreading south, leading to persistently poor air quality. Canada is currently facing its most severe fire season on record, with over 250 fires burning out of control. Health experts are advising Americans to stay indoors with air conditioning or wear N95 masks when outdoors.

In Iowa, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an air quality advisory for all counties in the eastern half of the state. Fine particulate levels are expected to be near or above EPA health standards, which could be harmful to sensitive groups such as people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, teenagers, and outdoor workers. The DNR recommends reducing outdoor activities and taking more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve.

The increase in wildfires and poor air quality can be attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change and a century-long policy of suppressing wildfires. The forests in the United States have become tinderboxes, making them more susceptible to catastrophic wildfires. With an 80 million-acre forest restoration backlog, it is evident that urgent action is needed to address this issue.

As the prevalence of wildfires and poor air quality continues to rise, it raises the question: Is this the new normal? Climate change and forest management practices are factors that need to be urgently addressed to protect the environment and the health of communities affected by these wildfires.