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A toxic haze caused by Canadian wildfires is affecting air quality in parts of the Northeast, causing concern for travelers and prompting warnings from doctors. The situation could be especially dire for those with respiratory issues like lung disease, COPD, and asthma. While the smokey haze may have little to no impact on air quality in Florida, travelers heading north should check air quality levels and consider delaying their trips. The situation has caused some travelers to reconsider their plans, with one Florida resident opting to cancel her trip to New York due to concerns over air quality.
Following WFLA News, a toxic haze caused by a fresh layer of smoke from Canadian wildfires is still blanketing parts of the Northeast, prompting many travelers to reconsider their travel plans. The hazardous air quality conditions have even led doctors to offer warnings for vacationers.
Although arrivals and departures from Tampa International Airport are back on track after lengthy delays from New York over the last 24 hours, the question remains: will the Canadian wildfire smoke affect air quality in Florida?
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With her dog in tow, Paige Feigenbaum is getting ready to head to New York to see her parents. However, the fresh wave of smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing the Northeast and prompting her to consider canceling her plans altogether. “Nobody wants to go to a place where they can’t breathe fresh air when they’re afraid,” said Feigenbaum. “That’s just no way to live, paralyzed in fear for your safety and health.”
While the smokey haze may be slowly dissipating and will have little to no impact on the air quality in Florida, those heading north should heed the warnings from physicians. “They should look at the air quality before they travel and probably cancel the travel because it’s certainly going to impact their breathing,” said Dr. Kapil Patel, a pulmonologist at Tampa General Hospital. He says the situation could be dire for anyone with respiratory issues like lung disease, COPD, and asthma. “Delay the trip because their trip is certainly going to be impacted by their symptoms,” said Patel. “You can’t wear masks to prevent worsening symptoms. It may minimize it a bit, but it’s not 100 percent effective.”
The sound advice from Dr. Patel is changing the situation for travelers. “I’m in Florida where the air is clear,” said Feigenbaum. “So why go to a place where it’s smokey if I can avoid it.”
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With all of this in mind, the Canadian wildfire smoke is causing hazardous air quality conditions in the Northeast, prompting many travelers to reconsider their travel plans. While the air quality in Florida is not currently impacted, those with respiratory issues should heed the warnings from physicians and delay their travel plans. It’s important to prioritize safety and health when making travel decisions during these uncertain times.
