GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — As wildfire smoke pours into West Michigan, creating hazardous air quality conditions, health officials are urging everyone to take precautions.
On Thursday morning, the air quality index ranged from 300 to 600 across West Michigan, according to AirNow. For reference, anything above 300 is considered “hazardous.”
“Everyone should stay indoors and reduce activity levels,” officials warned.
Wildfire smoke moves into West Michigan
People with heart conditions, people with lung diseases like asthma, adults above age 60, children and teenagers, pregnant people and outdoor workers can be especially sensitive to wildfire smoke — but with such poor air quality, everyone is at risk. Exposure to wildfire smoke can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and stinging eyes. More seriously, it can trigger asthma attacks and heart failure, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services warned…