Smog and soot exposure contributing to Detroit's bad air quality

The Metro

Smog and soot exposure contributing to Detroit's bad air quality

Clean

Published on Apr 30, 2025, 4:10:56 PM
Total time: 00:34:51

Episode Description

A recent report from the American Lung Association found Detroit’s air quality ranks sixth in the nation for smog and soot exposure. 

To many, this news is not entirely surprising. Wildfire smoke from Canada caused people to stay indoors or wear a mask outside two summers ago. And for people who live near Detroit’s heavily industrialized areas, the air quality is a constant issue. 

This caused Detroit to rank third for asthma last year. 

Today on The Metro, we spoke with two guests about the lasting impacts of this type of environmental exposure to human health.

Community Activist Sam Luqman is a resident of Dearborn’s Southend neighborhood, which is surrounded by industrial plants, like Ford's River Rouge Complex and Cleveland-Cliffs' steel mill. Dr. Garen Wolff, an allergy and immunology physician who works in Detroit, also joined the conversation.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

More about The Metro

"The Metro" covers local and regional news and current affairs, arts and cultural events and topics, with a commitment to airing perspectives and uncovering stories underreported by mainstream media in Detroit.