Michigan Residents Face Hazardous Air Quality

Michigan residents are seeing hazardous air quality and hazy and smoke-filled skies this week, stemming from wildfires in Alberta, Canada. Wildfires in eastern Canada and northern Michigan brought new smoke and haze to Michigan’s skies Monday, the National Weather Service said.

The smoke and haze led to unhealthy air quality for residents across the affected region. Southeast Michigan is facing dangerous air quality levels, including around 150 ppm in Detroit and over 130 ppm in Ann Arbor. West Michigan also saw hazardous levels, including near 130 ppm in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

Wildfires in Alberta, Canada Cause Haze and Smoke

Air quality is measured by parts per million, the number of pollutants per square meter of air. On the scale of air quality ratings, 101-150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups and 151-200 is unhealthy for the general public, according to the U.S. Air Quality Index. Sensitive groups impacted could include those with asthma or other health conditions.