Smoke from Western Wildfires over Michigan by CMU Public Radio

Although Michigan is not currently on fire, we’re dealing with the consequences of yet another crazy fire season in the West. Central Michigan University Public Radio shares that smoke from wildfires in Canada and the American West is starting to affect air quality in Michigan:

The smoke carries tiny particles of ash and soot called PM 2.5 — flecks of particulate matter that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter, or about one-thirtieth the width of a human hair.

Stephanie Hengesbach, a meteorologist with the state’s air quality division, said those particles are especially dangerous for people with heart or lung problems.

“Be aware of it,” she advised. “Levels are higher than typical this time of year. When you breathe, it can become trapped into your lungs. That’s why it’s so important that people that have lung or breathing issues really be aware.”

More from CMU Public Radio.