—
Wildfire smoke gives Detroit most polluted air in world, company says
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has given Detroit the most polluted air in the world on Thursday, according to a Swiss air quality technology company.
Detroit had an air quality index, or AQI, of 602, earning it the number one spot on IQAir’s ranking of the most polluted global major cities on Thursday. IQAir makes air quality monitoring and air cleaning products.
The U.S. Air Quality Index is a federal government tool for communicating about outdoor air quality and its impact on health. The higher the number, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern.
Minneapolis is in second place with an AQI of 549 followed by Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at 274, IQAir reported.
► MORE | See a map of US wildfire smoke now. Learn how to check air quality
On Wednesday, Detroit had the seventh-worst air quality index ranking among U.S. cities at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Swiss company.
The wildfire smoke moved into southeast Michigan by Wednesday evening.
Earlier in the day, Michigan officials issued an Air Quality Alert for Thursday, the third of the season, due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter resulting from smoke originating from Canada and northern Minnesota, where fires are spreading and burning out of control.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said Wednesday that residents could expect very unhealthy air in the Upper Peninsula and unhealthy air in the rest of the state. It also said there was a possibility some hourly readings could reach hazardous air.
On Thursday, the department’s MiAir data system, areas of Metro Detroit registered air quality index scores as high as 487, 474, and 445.
Officials urge Michigan residents, especially those with heart disease and respiratory illnesses such as asthma, to avoid strenuous outdoor activities on Thursday.
[email protected]
X: @CharlesERamirez
Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here.
