As wildfire smoke from Canada continues to spread across Detroit and other parts of southeast Michigan, people are being warned to limit outdoor activities. A statewide Air Quality Advisory is in place through Saturday, August 2.
The smoke has pushed pollution levels into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category, especially in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties. Some places may experience even worse air quality as smoke continues to hang in the air.
What Is Causing the Poor Air Quality?
The main reason for the bad air quality is fine particle pollution, also called PM2.5. These are tiny particles in the air that come from wildfire smoke. Because of high pressure in the region, this smoke is staying close to the ground, making it hard to breathe, especially for people with health issues.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has confirmed that these particles will stay at harmful levels at least until Saturday night.
Areas Affected by the Smoke
Many cities across Michigan are under this air quality advisory. This includes not just Metro Detroit, but also Bay City, Saginaw, Flint, Ann Arbor, and surrounding areas.
The smoke is making it hard for clean air to flow into these regions, and people living in these cities should be extra careful, especially if they have breathing problems or heart conditions.
Who Is at Risk?
People most at risk from this air pollution include children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung disease. If you fall under one of these groups, you should stay indoors as much as possible. Look out for symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, or feeling dizzy, as these could be signs that the smoke is affecting your health.
How to Stay Safe During the Advisory
Health experts recommend several steps to stay safe:
Keep all windows and doors closed, especially at night.
Use central air conditioning if you have it, and make sure your filter is rated MERV-13 or higher.
Avoid outdoor exercises or long walks.
Don’t burn anything outside, as it can make the air even worse.
Cut down on driving or using gas-powered equipment.
Even though there might be a short break in the poor air quality on Friday, experts say more smoke is expected to return over the weekend. That means the air could stay unhealthy for several more days.
Stay Updated and Be Prepared
Since conditions can change quickly, it’s important to keep checking trusted websites like MIAir or AirNow. These sites offer real-time updates about air quality in your area. If the wildfire smoke continues, the advisory may be extended into next week.
The wildfire smoke from Canada is creating serious health risks for people in Detroit and across southeast Michigan.
With air quality falling into unsafe levels, especially for sensitive groups, everyone should take precautions and avoid outdoor activities. Keep your home’s air clean and stay informed through local air quality websites. These small steps can help protect your health while the smoke remains in the area.
