| Quebec Forest Fires
July 2002
The smoke from the Quebec forest fires
on July 7, 2002 resulted in some of the highest particulate matter (PM)
levels ever measured in Vermont and one of the haziest days ever observed
in the region. Haze is caused by fine particles that scatter and absorb
light before it reaches the observer. As the number of fine particles
increases, more light is absorbed and scattered, resulting in less clarity,
color, and visual range. Below are pictures and graphs representing what
was observed during this period.
Burlington HazeCam:
July 7, 2002 at 3:00 PM
The above pictures (www.hazecam.net)
show a clear day in Burlington compared to July 7, 2002. Normal air quality
due to particulate levels are “Good” on the Air Quality Index
(AQI) scale while the levels in early July were considered “Unhealthy.”
Burlington and Rutland PM2.5
Hourly Averages; July 1-15, 2002
|
Air Pollution Control Division 
dec calendar 
