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Wildfire Smoke Chokes World Cup Practice
17 Jul
Summary
- Players practiced outdoors amidst hazardous wildfire smoke.
- Air quality reached unhealthy to hazardous levels.
- Experts warned against outdoor exercise in poor air.
Spain's World Cup team trained outdoors in East Hanover, New Jersey, on Thursday amidst hazardous air quality stemming from Canadian wildfires. The smoke created hazy conditions, leading officials to advise people to remain indoors or wear masks. Experts raised concerns about athletes practicing in such an environment, recommending indoor facilities to avoid respiratory risks.
Argentina's team trained in the Atlanta area, unaffected by the smoke which was being blown southeast. The air quality in New Jersey fluctuated, starting as 'unhealthy' before improving to 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' by Thursday afternoon, though particle pollution remained substantially elevated compared to WHO standards.
Doctors emphasize that exercising in wildfire smoke exposes individuals to numerous toxins, potentially affecting the entire body. Even healthy young athletes are not immune to negative health effects from prolonged exposure. The championship game is scheduled for Sunday, by which time the smoke is predicted to clear.
