For weeks now, the forests of Canada have been burning sending 160 megatons of smoke into the air. From Canada the smoke traveled south where it entered New York and other mid western regions. In some places, the air quality being registered the lowest in recent history. Driving and breathing became difficult for Americans, as what seems like fog covers the sky from any sunlight. Not only is this determinantal to the environment in Canada, but it is also destroying our physical health. Smoke contains carbon emissions which go deep into your respiratory system. These fine smoke particles  can reach your lungs and attach to your epithelial tissue making up your lungs. For your health, this means long lasting coughs, respiratory irritation, worsening of asthma, and heart problems. It is important to check your local air quality as in Wisconsin for a few days it was the worse in history. When air quality becomes poor due to fine particles such as smoke, face coverings are helpful as well as staying in air filtered location such as your home. Not only are the fires detrimental to those inhaling the gases released, but they are equally as devastating for our environment. Thousands of trees are burnt down, destroying an essential human resource. Not only does it supply us with wood and paper, but it supplies us with the oxygen we breath while removing carbon dioxide in the air. These burnt trees will provide less oxygen, absorb less carbon dioxide, while also releasing more carbon dioxide from the fires. 

Krish Ghelani

Franklin, WI

March 15, 2023