Residents across Washtenaw County are experiencing dangerous air quality as smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires continues to affect Michigan. State air quality officials have placed the entire state in the Hazardous air quality category because of high levels of fine particle pollution carried south by wildfire smoke. The air quality may have improved slightly since Thursday, but these dangerous conditions are expected to continue through the weekend. Exposure to smoke can affect anyone, but it can be especially harmful for people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, children, older adults, and pregnant individuals.
What Does “Hazardous” Air Quality Mean?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to show how outdoor air quality may affect your health. A hazardous AQI means the air is unhealthy for everyone and can increase the risk of serious health problems.
Before spending time outside, check the current air quality in your area:
👉 Check the AQI at AirNow: https://www.airnow.gov/
How Wildfire Smoke Can Affect Your Health
Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can travel deep into your lungs and enter your bloodstream. Exposure may cause:
- Coughing or a sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Chest discomfort
People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions may notice their symptoms get worse.
How to Protect Yourself
- Stay Indoors When Possible
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Use air conditioning if available.
- Avoid activities that can make indoor air worse, such as smoking, burning candles, or using aerosol sprays.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality
- Use an air purifier if you have one.
- Use high-efficiency air filters in your HVAC system when possible.
- Consider building a DIY air cleaner using EPA guidance.
- Limit Outdoor Activities
- Move exercise, sports, and other activities indoors when possible.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Limit time outside, especially when air quality levels are at their worst.
- Take Extra Care of Sensitive Groups
- Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung disease are more likely to experience health effects from wildfire smoke. These groups should take extra precautions and stay in clean indoor air whenever possible.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact Packard Health or your healthcare provider if smoke exposure is making it harder to manage a chronic condition. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Severe or constant coughing
- Dizziness
- Confusion or changes in awareness
These symptoms may be signs of a serious health problem.
Stay Informed
Air quality can change quickly as weather patterns shift and wildfire smoke moves across the region. Packard Health encourages everyone in Washtenaw County to monitor AQI levels regularly and take steps to reduce smoke exposure.
By staying informed and taking simple precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family while the smoke affects our community.