Detroit has involuntarily driven its way up the charts to the second worst air quality city in the world due to raging fires from our neighbor across the Detroit River – also known as the Canadian wildfires.
The air quality alert issued was extended through Thursday for Michigan as weather forecasters expected low-level winds to change direction, potentially resulting in more smoke and reduced visibility.
Air quality alerts have been going on for a few weeks now and the smoke is here with no signs of ceasing just yet.
More shockingly, according to data from AirNow.gov, which is run by the Environmental Protection Agency, even before smoke from Canada’s wildfires swarmed over Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, many major cities across the Midwest were experiencing elevated levels of air pollution,
During the month of June, Detroit has had only two days with “good” air quality, according to AirNow.
Which brings rising concerns to those who are dependent on public transportation and have no choice but to be outside in the elements of the debris, outdoor laborers, and even worse – homeless individuals who may not even be privy to what is going on.
The unclouded question remains clear as day – what does climate change have in correlation with these raging wildfires?
Research shows that changes in climate create warmer, drier conditions, leading to longer and more active fire seasons. Increases in temperatures and the thirst of the atmosphere due to human–caused climate change have increased aridity of forest fuels during the fire season.
In layman terms, a direct answer isn’t as lucid as the posed curiosity.
In turn, the Detroit Health Department is providing guidance for residents concerned about the poor air quality in the city.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an air quality alert for Southeast Michigan, which includes the City of Detroit, for Wednesday June 28, 2023, and ending on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at noon. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Air Quality Index indicates that the Detroit area’s air quality rating is currently at “purple.” Ratings of “purple” or higher represent unhealthy levels, especially for sensitive populations.
If you are wondering why this is could possibly affect you and your loved ones, here’s why:
Wildfire smoke is made up of microscopic particles that contain things like acids, chemicals, metals, soil and dust from whatever is burning.
These particles are harmful when they are inhaled into the lungs and bloodstream. It can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and many other immediate health issues.
The smoke can also negatively impact chronic heart and lung conditions, increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, damage vital organs, and shorten a person’s lifespan.
In fact, research shows smoke from wildfires is 10 times more hazardous to people than pollution from other sources. The air quality can be affected thousands of miles away from the actual fire.
Also, keep in mind, the wildfire smoke is bad for everyone. Even people who are otherwise healthy.
Acting Chief Public Health Officer Christina Floyd stated the Health Department is recommending that people limit their time outdoors and refrain from any outdoor strenuous activity.
For people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens, Floyd recommended the follow steps to reduce exposure:
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Keep windows and doors closed, if possible
- Move physical activities indoors or rescheduling them
- Be sure to wear a mask
Floyd added that wildfire smoke can make anyone sick. If you are experiencing signs of sickness, please contact your medical provider.
“We are continually monitoring the situation and are in close contact with our partners at EGLE, the City’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, as well as the City’s Environmental division,” said acting Chief Public Health Officer, Christina Floyd. “As conditions warrant, we will provide additional updates and guidance to help make sure our residents stay safe.”
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