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Canadian Wildfire Smoke Spurs 20% Rise in ER Visits

7/18/2026

32 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Doctors say inhaling the smoke equals smoking a quarter to half a pack of cigarettes daily.
Smoke from Canada and northern Minnesota is drifting over the Great Lakes, Northeast and parts of the West, prompting alerts and a 20 % rise in ER visits for asthma and cardiovascular issues, with Detroit’s AQI at 435.
Health agencies advise closing windows, using HEPA or MERV-13 filters, and wearing N95, KN95 or KF94 respirators outdoors.

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Story summary

Doctors say inhaling the smoke equals smoking a quarter to half a pack of cigarettes daily.
Smoke from Canada and northern Minnesota is drifting over the Great Lakes, Northeast and parts of the West, prompting alerts and a 20 % rise in ER visits for asthma and cardiovascular issues, with Detroit’s AQI at 435.
Health agencies advise closing windows, using HEPA or MERV-13 filters, and wearing N95, KN95 or KF94 respirators outdoors.