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Wildfire Smoke Chokes Spain's World Cup Prep
17 Jul
Summary
- Spain practiced outdoors in hazardous air quality due to Canadian wildfire smoke.
- Experts warned against outdoor training in such conditions, recommending indoor facilities.
- Air quality improved slightly but remained a concern for athletes exercising vigorously.
Spain's World Cup team faced hazardous air quality conditions during an outdoor practice in northern New Jersey, caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires. Media observed the first 15 minutes of the session in East Hanover, which began at 11 a.m. EDT.
Health experts expressed strong concerns about athletes practicing outdoors in such conditions. Dr. Courtney Howard emphasized that high-level athletes should train indoors in air-conditioned, clean-air facilities when air quality is hazardous due to wildfire smoke.
Meanwhile, Argentina remained in the Atlanta area, which was not affected by the smoke blowing southeast from northern Ontario. Officials had urged residents to stay indoors or wear masks due to unhealthy to hazardous air levels.
The air quality in East Hanover fluctuated, starting "unhealthy" in the morning and improving to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" by mid-afternoon. Particle pollution levels were significantly higher than World Health Organization standards, though forecasts predicted improvement by Sunday's final.
Wildfire smoke, exacerbated by global warming, contains numerous toxins and can negatively affect multiple body systems, leading to increased asthma cases and inflammation. Experts noted that even healthy individuals can experience health effects from prolonged exposure, especially during exercise when more air is inhaled.
