#NorthShore brush fires sent smoke to #Boston — and eluded #AirQuality readers
Story by Steph Solis
October 28, 2024
"The smoke from brush fires around #Salem wafted over Boston on Monday, puzzling residents who got no indication of it from air quality readings on their phones.
"Why it matters: As #ClimateChange makes wildfires more likely and severe in the U.S., #Massachusetts residents will have to learn to detect the signs and protect themselves.
"Catch up quick: Firefighters are battling brush fires across #Salem, #Peabody and #Lynn, sending smoke as far south as Foxborough.
"More than 130 acres of brush have burned since Saturday, NBC Boston reported.
"Between the lines: Smoke inhalation can harm people with all sorts of health conditions, from those with asthma and emphysema to heart attack survivors.
"It's especially risky for children, whose lungs are still developing, says Anthony Wexler, director of the Air Quality Research Center at UC Davis.
"Multiple studies show air pollution can hurt lung development.
"How it works: The smoke smell caught locals' attention in the morning, as opposed to Monday afternoon, because smoke stays close to the ground after the Sun sets, Wexler says.
Once the Sun rises, it warms up the ground and mixes low-lying air with cleaner air above, causing the smoke to dissipate as the day progresses.
"Yes, but: The smoke didn't show up on some air quality readings, like the ones on iPhones.
"That's because the state and federal governments only have a few air quality monitors in a given community. If a plume of smoke passed through your neighborhood but missed the monitor, the reading will end up lower.
"Commercial air quality readers like #PurpleAir monitors are inexpensive and more common, so they can give better readings, Wexler notes.
"#AirNow, the federal government's service, also has better readings on its smoke and fire map."
#AirIsLife #WildfireSeason
#ExtremeDrought #ClimateCrisis #NorthShoreOfMassachusetts
#EssexCountyMassachusetts
#SalemMA #MiddletonMA #LynnMA
