The city of Boston experienced the worst of the haze caused by Canada's wildfires earlier this week. However, the situation has improved, and the air quality in Greater Boston is now relatively

safe to breathe.

The details: On Tuesday and early Wednesday, the Boston area was heavily affected by the smoke, leading to an air quality alert being issued by the state. Fortunately, winds have since shifted, pushing the haze further west and reducing its impact on Boston for the rest of the week, according to Bill Leatham, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service Boston.

Why it matters: Breathing in smoke and other air pollutants at unhealthy levels can significantly increase the risk of developing lung and heart conditions, as noted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory and cardiac issues are especially vulnerable, as the poor air quality can trigger asthma attacks and heart problems, potentially leading to fatal consequences.

The situation: The smoke has prompted air quality alerts across the northeastern United States, affecting millions of people, as highlighted by Jacob Knutson of Axios. The Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded AQI levels in Boston ranging from 42 to 92 yesterday. An AQI reading of 0 to 50 is classified as "good" air quality, while 51 to 100 falls under "moderate" quality. Any value above 100 is considered unhealthy, particularly for individuals who are more sensitive to air pollution. When the AQI reaches levels between 151 and 300, it is advised that everyone reduces or avoids intense outdoor activities.

Stay cautious: Although most individuals should be fine today and tomorrow, there may still be lingering air pollution that could pose a risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and individuals with asthma or respiratory illnesses. Meteorologist Bill Leatham advises them to remain indoors for the next couple of days. The American Veterinary Medical Association also recommends keeping pets indoors and closing windows during periods of poor air quality, as animals, especially birds, can also be adversely affected by air pollution. Photo by Mozaika2, Wikimedia commons.