Smoke gets in My Eyes, June 9th, 2025 334 words

This past week, we have had haze and smoke from Canadian wild fires causing poor air quality over most of Michigan. Normally, there is an increase in Carbon monoxide in spring before oxygen is produced from plants and trees. This year the CO increased to 3.5 parts per million. This may not sound serious but this trend is higher yearly.
The Jet stream and lack of rain has pushed the smoke from the high atmosphere down to the earths surface, causing pollution to linger.
The fires in sections of British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have continued to burn for over a year, causing smoke to remain in the air.
What does it mean for person’s living in the Great Lakes area? Last year, we had 14 ozone action days where air quality was in the dangerous levels for the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with pre existing conditions such as heart or breathing conditions.
This past week, we have had ozone action days. Last Friday, despite such conditions, John and I went for a 10 mile bike ride. Biking and walking are labeled moderate exercise. We are in our seventies but healthy. I experienced mild difficulty biking uphill. I had trouble drawing a deep breath. My respiratory system continued to produce phlegm during the whole ride and for a short time after.
What can we do to protect from smoke. A surgical or paper mask does not filter the small particles from the air. A N95 respiratory mask can protect from most air born pollutants. These will not protect from active fires.
It is likely that the chance of hazy weather will continue to be a factor in our weather. Be aware of current conditions and take precautions. Then go and plant another tree.
poem
Take a breath
We need to breathe,
oxygen laden air from plants and trees.
CO is used, oxygen exchanged.
But smoke produced haze,
disrupts to make it harder
to take a breath.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyright 6/9/25