Hazy skies have blanketed the state of Michigan today, Tuesday, June 27th, as Canadian wildfire smoke continues to impact the region. Heavier plumes will be coming in waves, so it is possible to see concentrations going up and down. Smaller particles from these wildfires can go deeper into a person’s lungs, causing more severe breathing problems. The level of these small particles are what is tracked by air quality alerts. The air quality alert is currently in the Unhealthy (red) range for Genesee County and is forecasted to remain in this range until the end of the Air Quality Advisory on Wednesday, June 28th
Everyone should choose less strenuous activities, such as walking instead of running and shorten the time you spend outdoors. Keep windows closed during air quality alerts. Even healthy adults can be affected by these high level of particles in the air.
We know that the number of children with asthma, and adults with other respiratory disease is
higher in the greater Flint area. People with lung disease, such as asthma, COPD or emphysema, or
any type of heart condition, older adults in general, pregnant women, children, and teenagers should
particularly:
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
• Keep outdoor activities short
• Try and keep physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Follow air quality levels in your specific area at this website AirNow http://airnow.gov/. It will
show you the current level of air quality in your city and also provides additional tips for staying safe
during an air quality alert.
