Wildfire Smoke Impacts Over 115 Million Across 17 States

More than 115 million individuals are facing potential exposure to hazardous smoke and poor air quality. This situation arises as wildfire smoke disperses, prompting health alerts across at least 17 states, extending from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic.

Consequences of the smoke include delays in flights, shutting down of pools and beaches, and the cancellation of numerous outdoor activities. Such disruptions highlight the widespread impact of the smoke on daily life.

Stephanie Sy reports.

Stephanie Sy serves as a correspondent for PBS News Hour. Her journalism career includes roles as an anchor and correspondent with major networks such as ABC News, Al Jazeera America, CBSN, CNN International, and PBS News Hour Weekend. Before her tenure at News Hour, she was part of Yahoo News, anchoring the coverage of the 2018 Midterm Elections and reporting from Donald Trump’s victory event on Election Day 2016.