Detroit's Air Pollution: Causes And Concerns

Detroit has some of the worst air quality in the United States. The Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor metro area is ranked 13th worst in the nation for annual particle pollution, with Wayne County, Michigan, receiving a failing grade for pollution levels above the federal standard. Southwest Detroit has the highest levels of air pollution in Michigan and ranks in the top 5% nationally. So, what is causing this air pollution in Detroit?

Vehicle emissions and industrial sources

Southwest Detroit, in particular, has the highest levels of air pollution in the state and ranks in the top 5% nationally. This is due in part to the heavy concentration of factories and vehicles in the area, which individually and collectively contribute to high levels of air pollution. The burning of fuel that contains sulfur, such as coal, diesel, and oil, releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere, which converts to sulfates and contributes to fine particle pollution that is harmful to human health.

In addition to industrial sources, vehicle emissions from the large roads surrounding Southwest Detroit also play a significant role in the area's poor air quality. The lockdown during the early pandemic period reduced traffic-related pollutants, but traffic and industrial sources later resumed near-normal levels. The gradual electrification of the vehicle fleet is expected to help reduce emissions and improve air quality in the region.

Community organizations, health providers, and public health researchers are working collaboratively to address the pollution challenges in Southwest Detroit and promote health equity through community-academic partnerships. These efforts include identifying major sources of emissions, such as PM2.5, and implementing evidence-based solutions to reduce pollution levels and improve the health of the community.

Fossil fuel power plants

Detroit has some of the highest levels of air pollution in Michigan, and the Detroit Metro Area has been ranked 13th worst in the nation for annual particle pollution. While there has been a decrease in 24-hour particle pollution measures, with 23.3 fewer days of high particle pollution compared to the year 2000, there is still cause for concern.

One of the major factors contributing to the city's poor air quality is the heavy concentration of factories and vehicles in the southwest section of Detroit. These two factors alone release a combined 34,000 tons of sulfur dioxide into the city's air each year. Sulfur dioxide is a dangerous gas that converts to sulfates in the atmosphere, contributing to fine particle pollution that can harm the lungs.

In addition to industrial and vehicle emissions, another significant source of air pollution in Detroit is the city's many fossil fuel power plants. These power plants burn fuel that contains sulfur, such as coal, diesel, and oil, which releases harmful pollutants into the air. The gradual electrification of the vehicle fleet and the replacement of these fossil fuel power plants with wind and solar energy sources are crucial steps towards reducing emissions and improving Detroit's air quality.

To address the air pollution crisis, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has awarded grants to various community organizations, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. These grants aim to improve public health, monitor pollution, enhance indoor air quality, and promote environmental protection.

While there have been some improvements in Detroit's air quality over the last two decades, the city still faces significant challenges. Southwest Detroit, in particular, continues to struggle with high levels of pollution from various sources, including power plants, and remains one of the worst-affected areas in the region.

Wildland fire smoke

The smoke from the Canadian wildfires has had noticeable impacts on Detroit's air quality and the well-being of its residents. In 2023, Detroit experienced some of the worst air quality in the United States due to the smoke, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warning residents to stay indoors. The small particles in wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and can have more severe consequences for those with respiratory conditions. This is particularly concerning for Detroit, a predominantly Black city with a significant poverty rate of about 30%. The smoke has exacerbated existing health risks, especially for those already suffering from industrial pollution.

The effects of wildland fire smoke on human health are well-documented. Exposure to smoke can cause eye irritation, sore throat, wheezing, cough, and can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, wildland fire smoke may have adverse cardiovascular outcomes and has been linked to an increased risk of heart and blood vessel issues. The smoke contains a complex mix of potentially toxic compounds, and the long-term effects of repeated exposure are not yet fully understood by the scientific community.

The frequency and severity of wildland fires are influenced by climate change. Prolonged drought, warming temperatures, and more frequent heat waves contribute to severe fire seasons and the increased prevalence of smoke events. The smoke from these fires can spread over vast distances, affecting cities like Detroit that are located far from the fire sources. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and fuel fire activity, the potential for wildland fire smoke to affect Detroit's air quality and public health will likely persist and may even increase in severity.

To mitigate the impacts of wildland fire smoke, employers and workers should take steps to reduce exposure. This includes monitoring air quality conditions, relocating or rescheduling work, and reducing physical activity levels when smoke levels are high. Additionally, the gradual transition to cleaner energy sources and the implementation of strategies to reduce emissions are crucial for improving air quality and protecting the health of Detroit's residents.

Wood burning

The chillier climate in northern Midwestern states, particularly those bordering the Great Lakes, contributes to the higher prevalence of wood burning for heat. This can negatively impact the air quality in Detroit as wind disperses pollution throughout the region. Wood smoke is a significant source of outdoor fine particles, which can enter homes and cause indoor air pollution levels to reach dangerous levels.

The particles released during wood burning are very small, ranging from 0.2 microns at the start of the burn period to 0.05 microns as the burn progresses. These ultrafine particles can lodge in the lungs and travel through the bloodstream, leading to cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, strokes, and congestive heart failure. They can also cause respiratory issues and increase the risk of lung cancer. Additionally, wood smoke contains toxic pollutants, including VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and cancer-causing substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, and benzo-a-pyrene, a type of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH).

The EPA estimates that the particulate pollution from wood smoke is 12 times more carcinogenic than an equal amount of second-hand cigarette smoke. While modern wood stoves are EPA-certified to reduce particulate matter emissions, older, non-certified stoves still in use can contribute significantly to air pollution. The City of Grand Junction has passed a Wood Stove Ordinance that requires homeowners to remove non-certified EPA wood stoves before selling their homes.

To reduce wood smoke pollution, it is recommended to limit the amount of wood burned and ensure that stoves or fireplaces are properly maintained and do not leak. Complete combustion is essential to minimise wood smoke, as it produces light, heat, and carbon dioxide and water vapour without the presence of smoke. However, due to the challenges of achieving complete combustion, alternative heating methods such as gas furnaces, electric fireplaces, or electric split ductless heat pumps are suggested as better options for improving air quality.

Climate change

The impact of climate change is evident in the increased frequency and severity of wildland fires, which can produce unprecedented levels of pollution. While the smoke from these fires does not always reach Detroit, climate change increases the likelihood of such episodes. Additionally, the construction of new industrial sites, warehouses, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge will further contribute to particulate matter in the air.

Detroit's geographical location also plays a role in its air pollution. The city's position bordering the Great Lakes influences the climate, leading to a greater tendency to burn wood for heating during colder months. This practice, while helping reduce heating bills, negatively impacts the air quality as wood burning contributes to particle pollution levels. The wind then disperses this pollution throughout the region.

To address these issues, Michigan Public Health researchers are working collaboratively with community stakeholders through initiatives like Community Action to Promote Healthy Environments (CAPHE). The gradual electrification of the vehicle fleet and the transition from dirty fossil fuel power plants to wind and solar energy sources are also crucial steps to reducing emissions and improving air quality in Detroit.

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