By Andi Anderson
In recent years, wildfire smoke from Canada has drifted into Michigan, reducing visibility, creating hazy skies, and triggering air quality alerts.
While these conditions may seem like an inconvenience, they pose real health risks for farmers and agricultural workers who spend long hours outdoors.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful compounds. According to the CDC and EPA, exposure can cause eye irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath in the short term, and may worsen asthma, chronic lung disease, and heart conditions over time. Research shows that wildfire smoke particles can be more harmful than those from traffic or industry.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is the primary tool for measuring air safety. Levels under 50 are considered good, while 51–100 are moderate. Sensitive groups—such as older adults, children, pregnant individuals, and those with respiratory or heart conditions—should take precautions when AQI exceeds 101. Above 151, conditions are unhealthy for everyone, and strenuous outdoor activities should be reduced or postponed.
For farm work, avoiding exposure entirely is not always possible. Best practices, modeled on regulations from western states, include:
- Monitoring and communicating AQI levels daily
- Training workers to recognize smoke-related symptoms
- Providing indoor or enclosed, filtered workspaces when possible
- Reducing strenuous tasks and increasing rest breaks during high AQI days
- Offering and wearing N95 masks when AQI exceeds 101
- Accommodating anyone showing signs of smoke exposure
Maintaining clean indoor air is equally important. Farmers should run HVAC fans with high-quality filters, use air purifiers, and keep windows closed on smoky days. Avoid indoor activities that generate pollutants, such as frying food or burning candles.
Wildfire smoke can harm even healthy individuals without obvious symptoms. By monitoring conditions, adjusting workloads, and protecting both outdoor and indoor environments, Michigan farmers can safeguard their health and maintain productivity during smoke events.
Photo Credit: pexels-pixabay
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety