Is it safe for kids to be outside amid wildfire smoke? See guidance

Michiganders are enduring unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke Thursday, July 16, and children are among those most threatened, experts say.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued air quality alerts across Michigan for July 16 and Friday, July 17, because of elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke. Breathing in the hazardous air can lead to harmful health impacts, especially for children and other at-risk groups, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services warns.