The haze was much worse today in Boston, and this time it was accompanied by the smell of burning wood. This, I am told, is due to the wildfires in Canada and Minnesota. I think summer should be thought of tropical wildfire season, because that's not far off from how many of us in Massachusetts experience it.
It was spooky being out today. I had intended to walk to the library, which is less than a mile away, but after ten seconds outside, my throat hurt. Driving my sons to different locations left me with a scratchy throat. And yes, I had the windows closed.
Why, why, why were people working outdoors today? I saw construction workers today, and of course none of them had masks. I'm sure it was much the same with the landscapers. It should be mandatory that during days when air quality is compromised, any employer of an outdoor employee needs to provide N95 masks or face significant fines.
But the better solution would be that people aren't required to work, period, in adverse weather. It's inhumane--no amount of economic development is worth risking anyone's safety for.
Maybe that will motivate people to stop polluting the atmosphere.
Deb in the City
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