Farming through the haze
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EmailMichigan has been intermittently blanketed with wildfire haze over the past several years. Learn more about the importance of monitoring your local air quality index (AQI) and how to work safely on high AQI days.
For the past few years, Michigan has seen compromised air quality due to wildfires across Canada. In addition to hazy days and smoggy sunsets, air quality index (AQI) levels have become more prominent on weather apps, and agencies have issued air quality alerts. AirNow is a U.S. federal government website that shows AQI data and forecasts based on zip code. On the page Using the Air Quality Index, they explain that “AQI forecasts [can] help you plan your outdoor activities for the day. Much like a weather forecast lets you know whether to pack an umbrella, an air quality forecast lets you know when you may want to change your outdoor activities to reduce the amount of air pollution you breathe in.” Not only does poor air quality have an impact on the look and feel of an already hot summer day, but it can also have a negative impact on the body and is an unavoidable workplace hazard for farmers and agricultural workers.
Health impacts of wildfire smoke
According to an article in the International Journal of Wildland Fire, Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other organic hazardous compounds that contribute to ozone and other aerosols. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), short-term effects may include eye irritation or respiratory symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. In the long term, exposure to air pollution from wildfires may exacerbate asthma and pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, according to a study of wildland firefighters referenced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Studies that carefully review many different research papers have found strong links between breathing wildfire smoke, especially very small particles or fine particulate matter (often referred to as PM2.5), and increased risk of death from all causes as well as a range of respiratory health problems. The article “Wildland Fire Smoke and Human Health” by Wayne Cascio, published in a peer-reviewed journal, noted that wildfire smoke exposure has been strongly associated with worsening asthma and progressive lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as higher rates of bronchitis and pneumonia.
Air quality is an invisible hazard
Air quality is often an invisible hazard with health implications that are not immediately obvious. Since the Clean Air Act was enacted, the U.S. has seen major improvements in ambient air quality with significantly decreased emissions across most metrics since 1990 (Air Quality - National Summary | USEPA). In rural areas, instances of pollution are usually isolated and short-lived, such as smoke from a brush fire or older diesel vehicles. While these events are obvious and resolved quickly, gradually accumulating or transported pollution is more subtle and still carries risks. Wildfire smoke, for example, can travel hundreds or thousands of miles across jet streams, carrying particulate matter that has a profound effect on the respiratory system. Research from Southern California suggests that smoke particles from wildfires cause more harm, per equal amounts of pollution, than particles from traffic or industry.
When longer-term impacts like wildfires hundreds or thousands of miles away start to have an effect, it may take a while to realize what is going on and that we should be protecting ourselves. There is limited access to local air quality information in rural areas; 58.8% of counties in the U.S. lack an air quality monitoring system, equating to 40% of the geographic area of the U.S. and accounting for 50 million people, or 15.3% of the population. If you live in an area that lacks access to local air quality monitoring, be aware that online AQI reports may miss short-term, local smoke or dust events that affect your immediate area. If you can see or smell smoke, even if the AQI looks okay, but the surrounding area is projected to have a higher AQI, take precautions such as limiting outdoor activity and using indoor air filtration.
Understanding AQI: what the numbers mean
AQI ranges and interpretation (Guide for Particle Pollution)
- Air quality is Good when the AQI is below 50. This is what Michiganders are typically accustomed to.
- Moderate AQI is 51-100. Some people may be sensitive to these levels of PM2.5, but it is generally still considered safe for most people to be outside.
- An AQI of 101-150 is considered Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Outdoor activities should be shortened, and breaks should be frequent. Be aware of coughing or shortness of breath. Anyone with asthma should keep their medication accessible, and those with heart disease should limit their exposure to polluted air. Sensitive groups also include older adults, children and teenagers, pregnant people and outdoor workers of any age or condition.
- The Unhealthy AQI range is between 151-200, and this applies to everyone. Sensitive groups should avoid long or intense activities altogether, while everyone should be aware of the impacts and consider rescheduling strenuous or outdoor activities.
- Very Unhealthy is the range from 201-300, and over 300 is considered Hazardous. Michigan’s air quality did not reach this range in summer 2025; the worst air quality days from July 4-August 4, 2025, were July 30-31 with highs of 193 in Marquette in the UP and 167 in Traverse City in the lower peninsula, respectively; all other monitoring sites were below these thresholds on these days.
Working outside in high AQI conditions
Controlling exposure is the most basic way to protect oneself. Respirators and N95s are among the most effective ways to limit exposure to particulate matter from wildfires, although they may increase the risk of heat-related illness.
Most agricultural work takes place outside, which means that–without using a respirator–avoiding unsafe air quality days is virtually unavoidable. In May of 2025, the state of Washington adopted extensive wildfire smoke rules for working during high AQI days, joining actions also taken by Oregon and California. While Michigan does not have any legislation surrounding this, there are still best practices that we can take guidance from.
On days when AQI reaches unsafe levels, employers should:
- Monitor and provide communication about air quality, especially when the AQI is above 151
- Train workers on smoke hazards and how to identify symptoms of exposure, including respiratory, cardiovascular, stroke or headache and fatigue and support seeking medical attention without fear of retaliation (the Washington rules contain extensive descriptions of relevant symptoms)
- Control exposure by providing work inside buildings or vehicles/tractors with air filters; avoiding or reducing work that creates additional exposure to dust, fumes or smoke; reducing the intensity of work and providing additional rest breaks
- Offer masks or respirators, and wear them when AQI is over 101
- Accommodate workers experiencing symptoms
These guidelines should be followed by farmers, too. Sometimes we work through pain or discomfort, but it is not necessary and not always safe to do so. Air quality is no exception. The state of Washington rules remind us that “Wildfire smoke can harm your health even if you cannot see or smell the smoke or do not feel any symptoms. Even healthy people can be harmed by wildfire smoke.” For those with preexisting conditions that affect the cardiovascular or respiratory system, the Michigan AgrAbility Project may be able to help equip you with assistive technology to offer relief from working in high AQI conditions.
Ensure your indoor air is as safe as possible
If you must spend time outside when air quality is hazardous, give yourself and your family respite by improving indoor air quality when you are off the clock and out of the field.
- Run the fan on your heating and cooling system–and make sure they are well maintained.
- Use the highest-quality fan/furnace filter you can.
- Consider purchasing an air purifier.
- Avoid using the stove to fry or boil food, especially if you have a gas stove.
- Do not burn candles or smoke tobacco or cannabis products indoors.
- Keep the fans running and the windows closed.
While these suggestions don’t directly tie into workplace accommodations and advice, they are meant to help create a safe space to regroup between work hours, while also helping protect younger and older family members, and even pets, from unhealthy air.
Additional information
- A map of Active Wildfires in Canada is updated every three hours.
- Air quality is also important for livestock, see more about how to Protect Your Livestock - Wildfire Smoke Fact Sheet from AirNow.
- More suggestions from the EPA about the importance of indoor air quality: The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality.
- The Michigan AgrAbility Project may help provide masks or respirators for farmers and farm workers, especially anyone in a sensitive group or with lung conditions.
