Wildfires burning across Canada and Minnesota are sending smoke across parts of the country, including Northern Kentucky and surrounding states, where poor air quality poses health risks that local residents should monitor carefully, according to University of Kentucky health experts.

In a column published by UK HealthCare, Dr. Anthony Gerber, the division chief of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at UK HealthCare, explains how smoke from distant wildfires can travel hundreds or thousands of miles, lifting fine particles into the atmosphere where wind currents push them into surrounding regions.

Smoke from the wildfires has affected air quality across much of the Upper Midwest and Northeast. According to recent reports, nearly 900 wildfires were burning across Canada, with more than 180 in Ontario alone. In the U.S., six large uncontrolled fires in northern Minnesota are covering approximately 60,000 acres.

The air quality index, or AQI, measures pollution on a scale of 0-500. Gerber outlined that readings of 0-50 are considered good, 51-100 is moderate, and anything 301 or higher is hazardous. Patients with pre-existing lung or heart disease should monitor for worsening symptoms when air quality declines and have an action plan ready, Gerber advised.

Short-term health effects from poor air quality include coughing, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue and irritated eyes. Repeated exposure over time may increase risks of heart attacks, strokes, pregnancy complications, certain cancers, dementia and reduced lung growth in children.

Gerber recommends residents stay indoors with doors and windows sealed during high pollution days, use air conditioners in recirculation mode, and consider HEPA air purifiers. Those who must venture outside during hazardous air quality should wear well-fitting KN95 masks. Residents can check real-time air quality reports through the AirNow mobile app.