Wildfire smoke from Canada pushes Detroit’s air quality to unhealthy levels

DETROIT – Smoke from Canadian wildfires cast a hazy shadow over Detroit’s skyline Tuesday, prompting health officials to highlight Wayne County’s expanded air quality monitoring system for residents.

In the afternoon, the air quality moved from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The upgrade affects people with lung disease such as asthma, children and teens, older adults and people who are outside for six hours or more a day.

Officials emphasize the importance of real-time monitoring, particularly for vulnerable populations.

“Though it’s more front and center with the wildfires happening, we know that an urban center like Wayne County has experienced the negative impact of just pollution and poor air quality, even before climate change,” said Dr. Avani Sheth, chief medical officer at Wayne County Health, Human and Veterans Services.

Wayne County, which reportedly experiences the worst air quality in Michigan, installed 100 monitors last year to track air quality minute by minute.

The county is now taking additional steps to protect vulnerable residents.

“This year, we’re distributing about 500 air quality monitors to individuals in Wayne County to have as a self-monitor,” Sheth said. “This is really for folks that are suffering from asthma or other lung conditions.”

Health Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Dr. Daniel R. Ouellette, Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Henry Ford Health, warns about the health risks associated with poor air quality.

“We see an uptick in emergency room visits and hospitalizations, particularly among those vulnerable elderly patients,” Ouellette said. “That doesn’t mean they’re the only persons at risk. There are also people who have chronic respiratory conditions, who are younger, who also may be at risk.”

The impact of poor air quality can be severe for some people.

“I couldn’t come outside. I couldn’t breathe with it. I had bad asthma,” said Miranda Walters while on a school field trip with her son at the Detroit Riverfront.

Monitoring and Precautions

Health officials stress that visible haze isn’t the only indicator of poor air quality.

“There are many days where the air quality may not be visibly in your face,” Sheth said. “Air quality is hyper-local, so you really want that data for where you are and where you’re going to be on a given day.”

The county provides real-time air quality data through its website.

For vulnerable populations, including elderly individuals and those with chronic conditions, Ouellette recommends avoiding heavy exertion outside on days with poor air quality.

“Staying indoors in an air-conditioned environment is really the best thing for those persons to do,” Ouellette said.

Today, air quality in the city of Detroit will be unhealthy for sensitive individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens.

Air Quality Index will be in the “Orange” range. The air quality is being impacted by the presence of fine particulate matter (PM – 2.5).

According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), smoke from wildfires in Canada will continue to elevate the concentration in Southeast Michigan.

Consider shortening all outdoors activities and wear a mask. Visit airnow.gov to check the current air quality in your area.

Detroit Health Department