Parts of the Upper Peninsula reported air quality numbers so bad on Tuesday, June 3, because of Canadian wildfires that officials told people to just stay indoors.
“Similar to yesterday’s (June 2) forecast, smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to threaten the upper Midwest. For the most part, the worst of the smoke has remained elevated over Michigan skies,” according to MiAir division, part of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. “However, monitors in the western U.P. are showing a large increase surface concentrations, during Tuesday morning, as smoke mixes down, sending PM-2.5 concentrations into the Unhealthy and higher range. As such we are upgrading Tuesday’s forecast to Alert status and will maintain that level through Wednesday.”
As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, the air quality rating in Marquette was 817 — hazardous. Earlier in the day, the reading in Houghton Michigan, to the west in the Keweenaw Peninsula, was over 900. Several readings in the UP were above 700 throughout the day.
From Tuesday, June 3 through Wednesday, June 4, the following counties in the Upper Peninsula are under an air quality alert: Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft.
“The models are also showing surface smoke invading the northwest counties of the Lower Peninsula during Wednesday, so we will increase the Alert area to cover those counties for Wednesday. We will reassess the situation for Thursday with the Wednesday forecast,” MiAir division said.
The following counties in northern Michigan are under an alert for Wednesday, June 4: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Manistee.
The elevated levels of fine particulate (identified as PM2.5) have caused the upgrade from an air quality advisory to an air quality alert.
Under an alert, residents are advised to stay indoors, especially if they are in a sensitive group, including people with respiratory problems (like asthma), heart or lung disease, diabetes, if you are a senior or child, or of a lower socioeconomic status, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For those who aren’t considered to be within a sensitive group, stay indoors as much as possible, and limit outdoor time to essential activities, the National Weather Service advised.
The entire Lower Peninsula showed readings in the moderate range on Tuesday, according to AirNow.
“Air Quality is expected to vary during the week dependent smoke conditions,” the MiAir division said.
Here’s more on the air quality alert in Michigan:
What does an air quality alert mean?
An alert is called when two or more (or widespread) monitors are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy threshold.
An advisory is called when two or more (or widespread) monitors are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange air quality index (AQI) threshold.
What should I do when an air quality alert in issued in my area?
According to Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services, here are some indoor-methods to protect yourself from the pollutants outside:
In addition, it is safe to use a window air condition, as long as it tightly seals and has a recirculation mode that prevents pulling in outside air.
For those who have to be outside amid poor air quality, consider wearing an N95 mask, do less strenuous tasks, limit outdoor activities or reschedule outdoor time if possible.
How can I check the air quality in my area?
Michigan residents can check current conditions through EGLE’s MiAir Quality Index Dashboard. The interactive map provides AQI scores for cities across the state.
Residents can also use AirNow, a part of the U.S. Air Quality Index, and check local conditions by searching their ZIP Code or city. AccuWeather also has an AQI feature that lists the current pollutants in the air.
In addition, Michigan’s HHS Department has a Facebook and X account. The department allows for residents to subscribe for alerts through the EnviroFlash system.
What does the air quality index mean?
The AQI shows the outdoor air quality for public health. It features six color-coded categories, from good (0-50) to hazardous (301 plus).
The AQI takes into account five air pollutants:
Here are the ratings in the AQI:
Where are the wildfires in Canada?
As of May 30, Canada’s National Wildland Fire Situation Report says there are 77 uncontrolled active fires; 25 being held; 47 controlled; and 25 modified responses.
“Canada is at National Preparedness Level 5, indicating that there is full commitment of national resources and demand for interagency resources through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center (CIFFC) is extreme. Since national availability of resources is limited, international resources are being mobilized,” the Canadian department said.
The priority fires are located in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta – with Saskatchewan and Manitoba in a provincial state of emergency.
Will the smoke hurt my pets?
“Similar to humans, animals are also affected when there are issues with air quality, especially birds, animals with underlying respiratory and heart conditions, and other sensitive populations — such as young or senior animals,” State Veterinarian Nora Wineland said. “If animals are being negatively affected by breathing poor quality air, they could exhibit various signs of illness, including coughing, wheezing, having difficulties breathing, eye drainage, lethargy, changing the sound of their vocalization, decreased appetite, and thirst. For any concerns related to the health of your animals, please contact your veterinarian.”
To best protect animals from poor air quality, follow these tips:
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Canadian wildfire smoke is covering Michigan. Here’s how bad it is in the UP
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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