Air Quality Alert Issued for Tuesday Due to Smoke from Canadian Wildfires
(SEMCOG, June 26, 2023)
Michigan – SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, announces an Air Quality Alert for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 27. Air quality will be impacted by fine particulate matter (PM-2.5).
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), smoke from wildfires in Canada will drift into Southeast Michigan and result in unsafe air quality, particularly for sensitive groups.
Tips for staying safe during an Air Quality Alert from EGLE:
- Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should limit prolonged or heavy exertion.
- Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning and use of residential wood-burning devices.
- Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible.
- Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13(or higher)-rated filters.
EGLE also provides the following background on PM-2.5 on its website:
- Fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) is tiny liquid or solid particles with a diameter less then 2.5 micrometers. PM-2.5 is composed mainly of ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, organic carbon, and smaller portions from elemental carbon and soil or crustal elements.
- PM-2.5 comes from a variety of sources included burning, fugitive dust, and biogenic sources (from plants).
- PM-2.5 can be emitted directly (primary) or react in the air to form particles (secondary).
- Respiratory and cardiac problems are directly linked to PM-2.5 exposure.
- Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung diseases are especially susceptible to the health effects from PM-2.5.
- Particulate matter can affect breathing and the defenses of the lungs, and aggravates existing respiratory and heart disease.
- More serious effects may occur depending on the length of exposure, the concentration, and the chemical nature of the particulate matter.
- Asthmatics and individuals with chronic lung and/or heart disease, people with influenza, the elderly, and children are the most susceptible.
- Fine particulate is especially problematic because it can penetrate deep into the lungs and remain there.
- Particulate matter is the major cause of reduced visibility in many parts of the United States. PM-2.5 is considered to be an important visibility-reducing component of urban and regional haze.
- Airborne particles can also impact vegetation and ecosystems and can cause damage to paints, building materials, and/or surfaces. Deposition of acid aerosols and salts may increase corrosion of metals and impact plant tissue by corroding leaf surfaces and interfering with plant metabolism..
Air quality is one of the important measures identified in SEMCOG plans and programs for creating desirable communities and a positive regional image for Southeast Michigan.
