The Pacific Northwest experienced another intense wildfire season. This photo was taken on August 15, 2018 where a large smoke-cloud is hovering over eastern Canada. Although there are numerous white or normal-looking clouds in the satellite imagery, the wildfire smoke is distinguishable by it's gray tone and its dense appearance versus the clumps and wisps of normal clouds. Analyzing the size of this smoke cloud can define a region and area of people who will be affected by poor air quality from the smoke. Poor air quality is threatening to those with asthma and heart conditions because the contaminated air impedes one's lungs. Sometimes, poor air quality can be a threat to the average person because of how the contaminated air reduces lung function. This is how it was for many during this August's wildfires as the government of British Columbia called for a state of emergency due to the health risks of the smoke. Analyzing the region most affected by this accumulation of smoke is important because citizens can be warned to take precaution for their health. This could potentially reduce the instances of asthma attacks or heart-related emergencies during wildfire season by advising people to exercise indoors or reduce time outside for the time being. Analyzing remote sensing images like this may be used as preventative efforts in public health.
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/imageo/2018/08/16/smokey-superlatives-widespread-wildfire-impacts-seen-from-as-far-away-as-a-million-miles/#.W6sT5y2ZNol
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