The smoky haze lingering over Metro Detroit may look like a distant problem, but doctors warn the impact on your health is happening right now — and could have long term effects.
We spoke to Dr. Daniel Ouellette, Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Henry Ford Health. He says wildfire smoke is sending more people to emergency rooms with breathing trouble and other serious symptoms.
“I’m very concerned about it because we know that the exposure to this smoke is going to cause healthcare problems for many people,” Dr. Ouellette said.
According to Dr. Ouellette, the fine particles in wildfire smoke are especially dangerous because they travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
These tiny pollutants can trigger or worsen a wide range of health issues, including:
• Asthma attacks
• Worsening of emphysema and COPD
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic coughing
• Heart rhythm issues and even heart attacks
The impact isn’t just short-term. Dr. Ouellette says repeated exposure to poor air can cause permanent damage to lung function, especially for people with chronic respiratory diseases.
Dr. Ouellette says the groups most at risk include:
• People with asthma, COPD, or chronic lung disease
• Those with heart conditions
• Children, infants, and older adults
• And even healthy people when the air quality index is high
“When air quality is that poor, we recommend staying indoors with the windows closed,” he said. “Use an air conditioner with clean filters. If you must go outside, wear a proper N95 mask.”
Dr. Ouellette said the most important thing Metro Detroiters can do is stay informed.
“Be aware of your air quality. Check it every day,” he said.“Wildfire smoke exposure has increased 27-fold in the last 20 years, and it’s becoming a new normal.”
With 40 years of experience, including time as an Army doctor, Dr. Ouellette has spent the last 20 years treating patients in Detroit. He now leads the division of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Henry Ford Health.
Related: Metro Detroit Air Quality Among Worst in U.S. Due to Canadian Wildfire Smoke
