DETROIT (WWJ) - More than 120 million Americans are now under Air Quality Alerts due to smoke from historic wildfires in Canada -- and Metro Detroiters once again waking up to unhealthy air for the fourth straight day.
Michigan's poor air quality began on Tuesday when thick plumes of haze from our northern neighbors blew through the entire state, prompting Air Quality Alerts through midnight Wednesday -- but officials with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) had to extend the alert three more times, with the latest Action Day expected to continue through Saturday, July 1st.
The entire state is experiencing elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) -- the EGLE said pollutants are ranging in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy categories.
In Southeast and West Michigan, an Action Day Advisory for ozone has also been issued.
A number of events across Metro Detroit, like Wednesday's NHL Draft Party, were forced indoors, delayed or cancelled entirely due to the haze that caused fog-like conditions, poor visibility and respiratory issues for at-risk populations.
Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease including asthma, heart disease, and children and older adults, were advised to limit prolonged or heavy exertion.
Detroit has ranking among the Top 5 major cities in the world for worst air quality since Tuesday, according to the IQAir Air Quality Index.
The Motor City took the No. 1 spot on Thursday afternoon. By Friday, Detroit improved to No. 45, while New York City, Chicago and Washington D.C. ranked among the worst cities for air quality, with Montreal and Toronto rounding out the Top 5.
But air quality indexes (AQI) -- as Michiganders have seen the last few days -- can go from healthy to hazardous very quickly.
Officials with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urged residents to check the air quality index before participating in outdoor activities heading into the holiday weekend.
“Emergency departments are starting to see an increase in individuals complaining of asthma symptoms,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, said in a prepared statement. “Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to affect air quality across the state. We are urging Michiganders to check the Air Quality Index regularly this weekend to decide if they should be participating in outdoor activities and what actions they should take to keep themselves and their families safe.”
According to the National Syndromic Surveillance System that monitors 146 out of 149 emergency rooms in the state, ERs saw a higher than expected number of patients on Wednesday, June 28, due to asthma complaints.
State health officials warned that studies have shown "even short periods of exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5), which is in wildfire smoke, can trigger asthma attacks requiring emergency medical treatment."
While officials stated that anyone can get sick from exposure to wildfire smoke, certain populations are more sensitive to particle pollution.
"Older adults aged 65 and older, pregnant people, children, and people with lung and heart conditions may be more likely to get sick if they breathe in wildfire smoke," MDHHS advised. "Symptoms from breathing in particle pollution can include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath."
Authorities recommended asthma sufferers follow their asthma control action plan or contact their health care provider if they experience any symptoms. Michiganders who have heart disease and experience these symptoms, should also contract their health care provider.
"The most protective option when air is unhealthy is to stay indoors with air conditioning, reduce strenuous activities and limit outdoor activities," MDHHS said. "If you must be outside, N95 masks offer enhanced protection when used according to product instructions."
During unhealthy for sensitive groups (AQI orange) to unhealthy for everyone air quality events (AQI red), MDHHS advises the following:
For people with heart or lung disease, pregnant people, older adults aged 65+, children and teens it is suggested to take the following steps to reduce exposure:
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Keep outdoor activities short
• Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them
For everyone else:
• Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
• Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
During very unhealthy (AQI purple) or hazardous for everyone (AQI maroon) air quality, MDHHS advises the following for everyone:
• Stay indoors with the doors and windows closed using MERV-13 or better air filtration.
• Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed. Call or text 211 or contact your local health department to find out if there is a shelter or cooling center nearby.
• Use air filters to improve indoor air quality. Whether you have a central air conditioning system or a portable room unit, use high efficiency filters to capture fine particles from smoke. If you don’t have access to those filter systems, you can create a temporary air purifier with a 2012 or newer box fan and attaching a MERV-13 or higher air filter to it. Information is available online.
• Keep activity levels low.
• Avoid outdoor activities.
• Use N95 style masks if you have to be outside. Surgical and cloth masks are not recommended as they are not designed to prevent breathing in the fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke.
Michiganders can also help reduce their contributions to unhealthy air conditions during air quality events through the following actions:
Do not add to indoor air pollution.
• Do not burn candles or use gas, propane, woodburning stoves, fireplaces or aerosol sprays.
• Do not fry or broil meat, smoke tobacco products or vacuum.
Reduce outdoor air pollution.
• Reschedule any burning or activities that add dust, smoke and particulate matter to the air, including campfires.
• Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible and reduce how often you refuel vehicles.
Residents can check the current AQI status by heading to the AirNow website and mobile app. Residents can also sign up for alerts through the EnviroFlash system. This subscriber system allows you to choose the area you would like to get alerts for, and it will send alerts directly to email or send a text message.
MDHHS has set up a hotline for Michigan residents to ask health-related questions related to air quality issues. The number is 800-648-6942, and is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.