Millions of residents across three states were asked to monitor themselves for health symptoms such as coughing and chest tightness on Monday as poor air quality persisted.
Why It Matters
Large areas of Maine, Michigan and Vermont faced elevated air pollution levels on Monday, prompting state agencies to issue air quality alerts and health advisories. The warnings, spurred by smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires, emphasized risks for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The alerts highlighted broader concerns about the impact of wildfire smoke on public health across the U.S. Northeast and Midwest, as similar conditions have become a frequent occurrence this summer due to wildfire patterns.
What To Know
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Air Quality issued an alert for particle pollution across the state until 11 p.m. EDT on Monday. The alert covered areas including Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, York, Cumberland, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Waldo and several coastal counties.
Officials warned that particle pollution levels were expected to be in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range, and recommended people limit strenuous outdoor activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. The very young, elderly, people with respiratory conditions such as asthma and heart disease, and those who work hard outdoors, were mentioned as especially vulnerable. Residents experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or chest discomfort were advised to decrease the intensity and duration of outdoor activities.
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Similarly, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy declared an Air Quality Advisory for Monday across the state, spanning Midland, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, Genesee, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne and more. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels were projected to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range, with some locations forecasted to hit the “Unhealthy” range.
The advisory urged everyone—particularly those with heart or respiratory illnesses—to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and monitor for symptoms like coughing, chest tightness or wheezing. Additional guidance included keeping windows closed, using filtered air systems and limiting activities contributing to outdoor air pollution such as burning wood.
In Vermont, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources issued an Air Quality
Health Advisory warning of fine particulates to hit the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range on Monday for Eastern Addison, Eastern Rutland, Eastern Windsor, Orange, Western Addison, Western Rutland and Western Windsor counties in effect through midnight.
“Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion,” the alert said. “It’s okay to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.”
Several other states across the Upper Midwest and Northeast also had air quality alerts in place, although the alerts didn’t specify that people should monitor themselves for symptoms such as coughing or chest tightness.
What People Are Saying
National Weather Service meteorologist John Boris at the Gaylord, Michigan, office told Newsweek: “Right now, our biggest issue is the fact that there really isn’t a whole lot of wind….Until we get a little bit more flow, there’s probably a couple more days of us dealing with this, at least in Michigan.”
An air quality alert issued in Michigan: “It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma. Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes.”
What Happens Next
The advisories in Maine, Michigan and Vermont were expected to remain in effect through Monday night, with potential for extension depending on smoke migration and weather conditions. Officials continue to urge residents to track air quality forecasts through official resources, heed recommendations for health precautions, and reduce activities—such as open burning—that exacerbate air pollution.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
