The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is urging residents to take precautions as wildfire smoke continues to affect the air quality across the region. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued a state-wide Air Quality Advisory due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) Thursday through Friday, July 15-16.

“Wildfire smoke can affect air quality even when the fires are hundreds of miles away, and that is what we are experiencing now,” says Dr. Josh Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director. “When smoke levels are elevated, limiting time outdoors and keeping indoor air as clean as possible can help reduce health risks. It is important to monitor local air quality conditions and take appropriate precautions, particularly if you have asthma, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions.”

Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) AQI is a tool that measures outdoor air quality and the potential health effects associated with air pollution. AQI values are grouped into color-coded categories that indicate the level of health concern.

Air Quality Index (PM 2.5) Overview:

• Moderate (51–100): Acceptable for most, but unusually sensitive people may experience symptoms.
• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150): People with asthma, heart disease, lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant individuals should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
• Unhealthy (151–200): Everyone should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. Sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exertion.
• Very Unhealthy (201–300): Everyone should avoid outdoor activity whenever possible. Sensitive groups should remain indoors.
• Hazardous (301–500): Everyone should stay indoors with windows and doors closed and avoid physical activity outdoors.

Residents can monitor current air quality conditions by visiting MIAir Quality Index Dashboard or AirNow Michigan.

How to Reduce Smoke Exposure
The EPA recommends the following steps to protect yourself and your family during periods of smoky air:

• Avoid strenuous activity while outdoors
• Keep doors and windows closed
• Use fans and air conditioning to stay cool, if available
• Set your HVAC system to recirculate mode or close the outdoor intake damper
• If using a window air conditioner, make sure the seal between the air conditioner and window are as tight as possible
• Use a portable HEPA air cleaner or a home HVAC filter rated MERV-13 or higher, when possible
• Consider using a KN95 or N95 mask if you must spend time outdoors when air quality is unhealthy
• When air quality improves, ventilate your home by opening windows or using the fresh air intake on your HVAC system and run exhaust fans in the kitchens and bathrooms

Health Considerations
Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Residents should watch for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. Individuals with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions should follow their healthcare provider’s treatment plan and seek medical care if symptoms worsen or become severe.

HDNW has free KN95 masks that are available to community members who want one, while supplies last. They are available at all our clinic locations. To see all HDNW clinic locations visit nwhealth.org. HDNW will continue to monitor air quality conditions and provide updates as needed.