Local health officials are distributing free, high-quality protective masks to help residents cope with hazardous wildfire smoke blanketing southern Michigan.
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency announced it is giving away EN149 protective masks, which are the European equivalent of an N95 respirator. Distribution begins today at noon at agency offices in Coldwater, Hillsdale, Three Rivers, and Sturgis. Health officials encourage anyone who must work outside or who lacks air conditioning to pick one up.
The free masks come as the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy extended an Air Quality Alert through tonight. Thick smoke is drifting from Canada, where hot, dry weather has fueled roughly 850 active wildfires. 150 of those fires are in neighboring Ontario.
Health officials say air pollution in the region has reached “hazardous” levels.
Medical experts warn that the health damage from breathing this smoke is cumulative. While short-term exposure might only cause minor coughing, repeated exposure over time builds up in the body and can lead to serious, long-term lung and heart issues.
Officials advise residents to stay indoors with windows closed. Anyone who must go outside should avoid strenuous activity and wear a tightly fitting mask.
