Dangerously high air quality index readings in Michigan have caused a significant public health threat and are already leading to event cancelations in Flint.
Smoke from wildfires in Canada, north of Minnesota, has moved into Michigan, and is causing elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PMIs) in the air. The federal government’s Air Now tool for tracking air quality had readings in Flint listed as high as 417 as of 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 17. According to the Detroit Free Press, the city of Detroit had some of the worst air quality anywhere in the world on July 16, with readings over 460. Typically, readings between 0 and 50 are considered ‘safe’ air quality while 50-100 is considered ‘moderate.’ Anything above is considered dangerous, and communities across Michigan are currently breathing air quality levels that are more than 3-4 times that high.
Poor air quality is dangerous for everyone, but there are people at greater risk, including those with heart or lung disease, asthma, COPD, pregnant people, children and teenagers, seniors, and people who spend a significant amount of time working outside. Exposure from breathing in wildfire smoke can cause health issues that include stinging eyes, shortness of breath, and coughing. It can also cause more serious emergencies like asthma attacks or heart attacks, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) also has resources and tips and they also offer a way for residents to subscribe to receive alerts and updates related to wildfire smoke and other air quality issues.
In general, state and federal guidelines shared by MDHHS suggest several precautions, including:
- Remain inside with air conditioning running and windows closed as much as possible;
- Use an air filter (rated MERV-13 or better) to capture particles from smoke;
- Create a “clean room” where levels of smoke and other particles are kept as low as possible if air conditioning is not available;
- The EPA has a “do-it-yourself” tutorial for attaching a MERV-13 filter to a box fan to create a homemade air filter;
- Avoid things that add pollutants to the air, like frying foods, burning candles, sweeping or kicking up dust, smoking, etc.;
- Avoid activities that create pollution such as frying foods, sweeping, burning candles, vacuuming and smoking tobacco or other products;
- Seek shelter elsewhere or consider spending time in an air-conditioned public place if your home does not have air conditioning.
For people who do have to spend time outside or have elevated health risks, the Genesee County Health Department recommends a tight-fitting N95 or P100 respirator marked with “NIOSH.” If those are unavailable or do not fit well, KN95 and KF94 respirators are also options.
In addition to the health risks, several community events in the coming days have already been canceled, postponed, or moved indoors (to share any changes to your events, email team@flintdaily.news and we will add to the list below).
Event Cancellations & Changes
- Pickup soccer at Woodlawn Park: Canceled on Sunday, July 19.
- Casting for 810 Fashion Show: Changed to virtual submissions.
- Potter Longway Community Cleanup: Postponed, a new date will be announced.
- Flint Pride Festival: Originally scheduled for Saturday, July 18, Pride has been postponed to September 19.
- Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint: Closed and will reopen at normal hours on Monday, July 20.
- Free Yoga in Ballenger Park: Canceled for Saturday, July 18.
- Flint Innovative Solutions Community Cleanup on Dort Highway: Scheduled for Saturday, July 18, but will be postponed to a later date.
- Market Tap: Closed on July 17; Live music from Jason Waggoner has been moved to Churchill’s.
- Flint City Bucks Playoff Game: Moved to an indoor facility, Legacy Sports in Brighton. Kickoff is still 7:30 p.m. Details.
- River Rats Pre-Match Tailgate: Canceled on July 17.
- FIA Patio Nights: The event is still on for July 17, but has been moved inside.
- Planning for Peace Workshop: Originally scheduled for July 16 has been canceled.
- Food Bank of Eastern Michigan: Several mobile food distributions canceled.
- International Academy of Flint: Building is closed July 16.
- Flint Community Schools Summer Experience and Potter Playground Ribbon Cutting: Both were originally scheduled for July 16 and have been canceled.
- Applewood Estate: Closed July 16. Closed July 17 and Storytime canceled.
- Southside Neighborhood Association Meeting: Canceled for July 16.
- Taylor Rae’s Ice Cream Spa: Closed July 16.
- Crossroads Village: Closed July 16 and 17.
- Simmer Rooftop Lounge: Closed on July 16.
- Queens’ Provisions: Closed on July 16, but hoping to reopen July 17 and possibly feature some acoustic sets from performers who were slated to perform at Porchfest.
- Music Around Town Summer Stars Performance: Originally scheduled outside at On the Bricks has been moved indoors to Blackstone’s Smokehouse at 6 p.m. on July 16.
- League of Women Voters Voter Education Workshop: Originally scheduled for July 16 has been canceled.
- Baby Parade at Applewood: Originally scheduled for July 17 has been canceled.
- Carriage Town Porchfest: Rescheduled for Saturday, September 19 (originally scheduled for Friday, July 17). More details will be announced by the Carriage Town Neighborhood Association as they are finalized.
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