Home / Environment / Toxic Fog Chokes Michigan: Air Unhealthy
Toxic Fog Chokes Michigan: Air Unhealthy
16 Feb
Summary
- Dangerous toxins have caused unhealthy air quality in Michigan.
- Microscopic particles from pollution are trapped by dense fog.
- Residents are advised to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities.
Residents across Michigan and the Great Lakes region are facing dangerously unhealthy air quality as a plume of toxins blankets the area. The US Environmental Protection Agency and National Weather Service have issued alerts for Detroit, where the Air Quality Index has surpassed 150 due to microscopic PM2.5 particles. These pollutants, originating from car exhaust and factory emissions, are trapped near the ground by dense radiation fog and high atmospheric pressure, posing risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health.
The advisory recommends avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and keeping windows closed, with air purifiers suggested for indoor use. Similar unhealthy air warnings extend across Southern Michigan and into other Midwestern states, including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. This phenomenon occurs when dense fog traps ground-level pollutants, exacerbated by stagnant air conditions and high-pressure systems common in winter.
While the radiation fog itself is not hazardous, its presence has worsened air quality significantly, particularly around industrialized cities. The Air Quality Advisory was expected to continue through noon ET on Monday. Health officials urge individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma and heart disease to monitor for symptoms and reduce exposure to the polluted air.
