IN THE EARLY MORNING ON THURSDAY, JULY 16 2026, THE MIDWEST WOKE UP TO A HAZE OF SMOKE.
On July 16, according to The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, there were 857 fires actively burning in Canada and 23 new fires burning. Experts were saying to stay indoors.
The smoke impacted air quality among major populations from Canada to the Midwest Great Lakes region, along New York and Delaware. Anyone can monitor air quality outside, keep smoke out by shutting windows in homes and in the car and use air purifiers.
Limit smoke exposure by limiting time outside. To stay up to date on the fires in the U.S. and Canada, view the NASA/FIRMS US/Canada fire map online.
As a consistent long distance runner, I felt like I was living in 2023 again when running at the park smelled like a campfire. It was three years ago, in 2023, when the Midwest experienced heavy smoke for a few weeks from Canadian wildfires.
According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) as of July 16, 2026, at 1:45 p.m., the Detroit and upper northwest Ohio area, was at 498 out of 500-plus on the AQI, which is the extreme end of hazardous air quality.
Although I often stretch my endurance, this isn’t worth hurting my lungs. And it is not worth it for any distance runner.
Particle smoke (PM) is classified into two categories: PM 10 and PM 2.5. PM 10 are annihilable particles with diameters of 10 micrometers or smaller. PM 2.5 are particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
The smaller particles can penetrate into the lungs and enter into the bloodstream causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
The guide:
•Check the AQI.
•Time your workouts.
•Visit the treadmill.
•Workout at the gym.
•Run in the morning when the air is typically less polluted.
•Go find a place indoors to walk if available.
•Try a new indoor activity, like swimming.
The AQI indicator to assess the safety of running outside •Good (0-50): Good to run outside.
•Moderate (51-100) Run with caution outside.
•Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150): discretion advised on health conditions.
Unhealthy (151-200): Limit outdoor running.
Very Unhealthy/Hazardous (201-500): Activities indoors.
The risk of running in poor air quality includes respiratory issues, cardiovascular stress and impaired immune function. ✲
The September issue of HLN will be coming soon! Call our sales team at
419.874.4491
to reserve your space.
