Wildfires From Canada
These Canadian wildfires have had a serious impact on a large portion of the U.S. In Illinois, our air quality has been at the highest levels that I have ever seen. I knew a few weeks ago they were bad, and they stated on the news that this could go on all summer long, but I never dreamed that it would be this high.
On Tuesday morning of this week, I went to go pick up my grandsons to babysit them, and when I first walked out the door, I thought there was a house in the neighborhood that was on fire. The air was filled with smoke, and the smell was unbearable, making it difficult to tolerate. I could feel the pressure in my chest from the heavy air.
The impact of poor air quality on daily life
While driving, you could see the haze in the air that almost looked like the fog of an early summer morning. Visibility wasn’t the greatest. I am glad that I live in the same town as my grandsons as I didn't have to go far and was so glad to come straight home after picking them up.
When we got back out of the car to go in the house, I had them cover their faces with their shirts and rush into the house. After settling in the house, I checked the air quality on my phone. At that time, it was 155, which was classified as unhealthy.
By the 11:00 a.m. newscast, it was 180, which was classified as unhealthy for all. By 5:00 p.m. that night, it was 241, which meant very unhealthy.
I had such a hard time breathing all day. My chest was tight, and I had to do three extra breathing treatments that day. I had been looking online most of the day for an air purifier. Everyone else seemed to have the same idea because they seemed to be going fast.
On Wednesday, when I woke up, the air quality was 201: very unhealthy. Even though the numbers had come down a bit and we kept our air conditioners running, I could still feel how thick the air was in my lungs.
The numbers jumped back and forth that day, and I finally found an air purifier that my husband picked up on the way home from work. I felt so bad for him and others who had to work outside.
I have never been so happy to see an air purifier. It seems to be helping a lot.
The impact of poor air quality on outdoor activities
I was so surprised and disappointed that baseball teams were still having ball games this week. I feel sorry for all of those little lungs out there trying to breathe in that air.
Of course, before I had lung problems, I probably wouldn't have thought anything of it, but now I can’t help but think about how hard it is on everyone. I would not have had my kids playing outside during this time.
Today is Thursday, and the air was bad again this morning. In the mid 200’s, but this afternoon we got hit with some much-needed rain along with some storms.
The storms we could have done without, but we needed that rain. The poor farmers have been praying for it.
I can’t imagine the other states like California, Arizona, etc., which go through this just about every year, and poor Canada, which is going through this right now. Here we are over 1000 miles away and are affected this badly.
I can’t even imagine what they are going through. I have always felt so bad for everyone who has gone through this in the past but didn’t realize how much it had affected their everyday life. I am so sorry it took me this to realize this, and will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
I’m sure there are many of you out there who are near and far from these fires. Prayers to you all.
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