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Michigan air quality continues to be under watch

Smokey skies from Canadian wildfires
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Smokey skies due to Canadian wildfires

As smoke from wildfires in Canada continues to spread across the U.S., Michiganders are being urged to take precautions and minimize their time outdoors.

Michigan’s air quality has worsened in recent days putting communities on the west and east sides of the state among the most affected in the nation. That’s according to data from the environmental protection agency.  Much of that smoke is being driven by the wind from rampant wildfires in Canada.

Doctor Natasha Bagdasarian is Michigan’s top medical executive. She says it's important to keep an eye on the air quality index before heading outside.

“Take a look at those numbers and follow the guidance online. And it could mean cutting down on the types of activities that you're doing outdoors, the amount of time you're spending outdoors, how how much exertion you're doing outdoors.”

She also recommends wearing a mask outdoors when the air quality index rises above 150.

As WKAR's Bilingual Latinx Stories Reporter, Michelle reports in both English and Spanish on stories affecting Michigan's Latinx community. Michelle is also the voice of WKAR's weekend news programs.