Air Quality Officials have issued another bad air warning heading towards Metro Detroit. The new warning says air Tuesday across much of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula will be dangerously polluted with particulate matter carried by winds from Canada’s wildfires.
The warning affects not only the Detroit metro area, but also Pontiac, Ann Arbor and many other cities in a strip from Monroe south to the Thumb area and north to Bay City.
“Smoke emanating from wildfires in western and central Canada will spread across the state,” the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) said in a warning.
“Vulnerable groups such as people with lung conditions including asthma, heart disease, children and older adults should limit prolonged or strenuous exertion,” the warning said. Even healthy people should think twice before embarking on prolonged outdoor activities or lengthy workouts, health experts say.
To avoid worsening conditions, air quality groups advised Michiganders:
∎ Don’t add any more smoke. Avoid campfires and other outdoor fire places, including the use of wood burning appliances in residential areas such as backyard fire pits. According to online health sites, gas grilling is less polluting than charcoal grilling, which means more particulate matter is released into the air.
∎Reduce fossil fuel emissions. Reduce your trips, postpone refueling and don’t let your vehicle idle. Turn off the engine of a stationary vehicle.
∎Keep the indoor air clean. Close windows overnight to prevent smoke from entering the interior and, if possible, operate central air conditioning with filters rated MERV-13 or higher.
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Wildfires in Canada’s wilderness areas are largely out of control, according to press releases. Maps show that wildfires appear to be raging across the country, with concentrations in the west and north-east.
Winds expected Monday night and Tuesday will carry not only the smell of the fires but also dangerous invisible “particulate matter” into Michigan’s lower peninsula that can penetrate deep into the lungs and become lodged there, according to a health advisory from SEMCOG – the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.
Contact Bill Laytner: blaitner@freepress.com
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