Detroit’s air quality is among the worst in the world right now due to smoke from the wildfires in Canada. This is the second time this month that Detroit has ranked in the top ten cities with the most polluted air, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company.
The smoke from the fires, which have been burning for weeks across Manitoba and Ontario, has drifted southward into the U.S., affecting states such as Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and New York. The smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, especially for people with pre-existing conditions, children and the elderly.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an air quality alert on Monday, advising people to limit outdoor activities and avoid exposure to the smoke. The alert also recommended closing windows and doors, using air conditioners or filters, and wearing masks if going outside.
According to IQAir, Detroit’s air quality index (AQI) reached 158 on Monday, which is considered unhealthy. The AQI is a measure of how clean or polluted the air is, based on the levels of PM2.5 and other pollutants. An AQI of 0-50 is good, 51-100 is moderate, 101-150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is unhealthy for everyone, 201-300 is very unhealthy and above 300 is hazardous.
As of Tuesday evening, Detroit’s AQI was 107, which is still unhealthy for sensitive groups. The city ranked ninth in the world for the worst air quality, behind cities in India, Pakistan, China and Turkey. Other U.S. cities that were affected by the smoke include Minneapolis (AQI 122), Milwaukee (AQI 120), Buffalo (AQI 113) and Chicago (AQI 103).
The National Weather Service said that the smoke will likely persist until Wednesday, when a cold front is expected to bring some relief. However, the wildfires in Canada are still raging and could continue to produce smoke for weeks or months.
