Spain holds outdoor practice in smoky New Jersey air before World Cup final
10 reported2 unconfirmed
Spain’s soccer team practiced outside Thursday in northern New Jersey under hazy skies caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires, according to a single-source report from ABC News. The practice took place in East Hanover while air conditions were described as hazardous. Argentina, the other finalist, trained in Marietta, Georgia, which is far enough south to avoid the smoke. Experts quoted in the report expressed concern about athletes exercising outdoors in such conditions, noting that high-level athletes move large amounts of air through their lungs. The smoke is expected to clear before Sunday’s championship game in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Messages sent to FIFA and the Spanish Football Association about whether indoor practice was considered were not immediately returned.
What’s reported
Spain practiced outside Thursday in East Hanover, New Jersey, with the sun obstructed by haze from Canadian wildfire smoke.
Media observed only the first 15 minutes of a scheduled hourlong session starting at 11 a.m. EDT.
Argentina trained in Marietta, Georgia, which is far enough south to avoid the smoke’s effects.
Air quality in East Hanover started as “unhealthy” and improved to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” by mid-afternoon, per the EPA’s Air Now system.
Particle pollution in New Jersey on Thursday was more than seven times higher than the World Health Organization standard.
The forecast calls for air quality to improve to “moderate” for Sunday’s final.
Dr. Courtney Howard, an emergency room physician and Global Climate and Health Alliance official, said athletes should not practice outside at hazardous air quality levels.
Harvard environmental health research scientist Mary Johnson said exercising in smoke is not healthy even for healthy individuals.
Colorado State University environmental toxicologist Luke Montrose said wildfire smoke contains at least 1,000 toxins.
Messages to FIFA and the Spanish Football Association about indoor practice were not immediately returned.
Open questions
How fast-paced Spain’s practice was.
Whether FIFA or the Spanish Football Association considered or could have arranged indoor practice.
Key figures
Dr. Courtney Howard, emergency room physician and Global Climate and Health Alliance official
Mary Johnson, environmental health research scientist at Harvard School of Public Health
Luke Montrose, environmental toxicologist at Colorado State University
Teresa de Miguel, climate video producer in Washington
Lissette Romero, SNTV videographer in East Hanover, New Jersey
Max Feliu, SNTV videographer in Marietta, Georgia
Sources: abcnews.com
