DETROIT - Smoke from Canadian wildfires has left Detroit under a hazy cloud for seven straight days, pushing air quality to unhealthy levels and forcing many residents -- particularly seniors and those with respiratory issues -- to change their daily routines.
"You look over the river, you can barely see Canada," said Owen Ash, who described the haze as "disheartening."
"It's summer. That should be the time where you're outside, but you kinda wanna stay more inside because of the smoke," he said.
The persistent smoke has made the air unhealthy for sensitive groups -- and in some areas, unhealthy for everyone.
"I don't walk as much now until this is gonna be all over with," said Stacey Hammons.
While some visitors downtown continue their normal activities, others are taking extra precautions.
"I have asthma, and a couple weeks back I was walking the Riverwalk and I forgot about the air quality," said Latunya Moses. "It definitely caused me to start coughing."
"I actually thought about [wearing a mask] today before I came out," Hammons said.
At the St. Patrick's Senior Center in downtown Detroit, the impact is especially clear, as seniors opted for indoor activities to avoid exposure.
Lynette Smith, a yoga instructor at the center and a retired nurse, said the poor air quality has had noticeable effects, and she has been forced to mask up.
"I know I've been sneezing and my nose has been running for the last week or two," she said.
"As seniors, we need to be aware that this could have an effect on us very subtly, perhaps, or even more aggressively."
Smith emphasized the importance of awareness and precaution by staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors, and using air purifiers indoors.
"Respect the fact that we are seniors and things are a little different. Sometimes it doesn't mean we're weak or ill -- it just means we need to pay more attention. We are in a high-risk group," she said.
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson, an emergency physician at Henry Ford Fairlane, said the hospital has seen an increase in emergency visits due to the poor air quality.
"Specifically, patients who suffer with asthma and COPD have been particularly challenged by the poor air quality," Dr. Stevenson said.
She urges people to check the Air Quality Index regularly, just as they would check the weather forecast.
"Especially when that air quality index is over 150 -- stay inside," Stevenson said. "Turn on the air conditioning, do your best to seal some of the seams around doors and windows such that this outside air can't get in."
For residents without access to air conditioning or purifiers, Stevenson suggests heading to public spaces like malls, libraries, or movie theaters, which often have high-quality air filtration systems.
Particularly for seniors and at-risk groups, Dr. Stevenson said, be mindful of staying connected with your physician if you're feeling poorly.
"Be mindful of having your rescue medications on hand," she said. "Always know that the emergency departments are open, 24/7, 365, and we are so thrilled to be the safety net for the people of our community. We are always available to assist."