DETROIT – With smoke drifting in from wildfires to the north, Michigan’s air quality is taking a hit -- and so could your health.
All 83 Michigan counties are under an Air Quality Alert.
---> Canadian wildfire smoke triggers statewide Michigan air quality alert
So how can you stay safe?
The main goal is simple: reduce how much smoke you breathe, especially on days when air quality is poor.
Fine particles in wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen heart or respiratory conditions.
Check the air quality
Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) before spending time outside. If the AQI is unhealthy, limit outdoor activities, especially strenuous exercise like running or cycling.
Stay indoors when possible
Keep windows and doors closed during smoky periods. If it’s too hot to do so safely, seek out a location with filtered air, such as a library, shopping mall or a cooling center.
Keep inside air clean
Run a portable HEPA air purifier or use a central HVAC system with a high-efficiency filter. Don’t burn candles or fireplaces, smoke tobacco or cannabis indoors, or vacuum without a HEPA filter. All of that can worsen indoor air quality.
Creating one “clean-air room” in your home can make all the difference.
Maybe mask up
If you must be outside in smoky conditions, a well-fitting N95 or KN95 respirator can help filter fine smoke particles. Cloth masks and standard surgical masks aren’t great at filtering smoke particles.
But before you mask up, usage during a heatwave (like we’re experiencing), can cause its own problems, especially for people with vulnerabilities.
It’s best to stay inside.
Check yourself
Smoke exposure can cause coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, chest tightness, headaches and irritated eyes. People with asthma or other lung conditions should follow their treatment plan and keep rescue medications readily available.
Take extra precautions if you’re at higher risk. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with asthma, COPD, or heart disease are more vulnerable to wildfire smoke and may need to reduce exposure even when air quality is only moderately degraded.
You should seek prompt medical attention if you experience severe trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or symptoms that don’t improve after getting to cleaner air.