Skip to main content
Michigan’s nonpartisan, nonprofit news source

We need your vote!

During this important election year, Bridge readers like you know that high-quality journalism like ours is more critical than ever. There’s a lot on the line, and we’re working daily to deliver the information you need to prepare you for November’s election. Can we count on your vote of confidence in our newsroom? Donate today!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate

Michigan air quality unhealthy again Monday because of Canadian wildfires

Canada wildfire nova scotia wildfires
(Shutterstock)
  • Wildfire smoke from Canada has triggered an air quality alert in Michigan 
  • The air quality index in southeast Michigan is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups 
  • The air quality may continue to get worse as smoke moves through the state 

Much of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan was under an air quality alert Monday because of smoke from Canadian wildfires. 

The state has been under several air quality alerts over the summer because of continuous wildfires. Smoke has traveled some 500 miles toward southeast Michigan from Canada’s worst fire season in modern history.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an air quality action day for elevated levels of fine particulate in several counties including Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, Lapeer, St. Clair, Lapeer, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, Lenawee and Monroe counties.

Related:

Nationwide, some 70 million people are living under air quality alerts from Vermont to Alabama, according to CNN.

According to AirNow, the Air Quality Index in parts of southeast Michigan is unhealthy for sensitive groups like people with lung disease or asthma, children, older adults and those with other underlying conditions. 

Inhaling smoke can cause chest pain, headaches, heart palpitations  and eye irritation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection.

The haze is expected to lift later Monday evening. Until then, residents with underlying conditions are advised to stay indoors, close windows, use central air conditioning and wear a mask outside.

Additionally, limiting activities like driving and fueling a vehicle to help reduce air pollution is recommended.

“Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to affect air quality across the state,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in a news release

“We are urging Michiganders to check the air quality index regularly to decide if they should be participating in outdoor activities.”

How impactful was this article for you?

Michigan Environment Watch

Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.

Michigan Environment Watch is made possible by generous financial support from:

Our generous Environment Watch underwriters encourage Bridge Michigan readers to also support civic journalism by becoming Bridge members. Please consider joining today.

Only donate if we've informed you about important Michigan issues

See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:

  • “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
  • “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
  • “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.

If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate Now