As Michigan heads into the July 4th weekend, state officials are warning about unhealthy air quality due to elevated ozone levels and smoke from fireworks and wildfires.
The advisory is primarily affecting metro Detroit and lakeshore counties like Berrien, Muskegon, and Ottawa, with air quality expected to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” levels on July 4th.
Air Quality Advisory for Western and Southeastern Michigan
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), an Air Quality Advisory has been issued for much of western and southeastern Michigan, including Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, Van Buren, and Berrien counties.
Metro Detroit counties, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Monroe, are also included in the advisory. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to fall in the “Orange” range, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
This poor air quality is caused by a mix of ozone buildup, especially along Lake Michigan, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke and fireworks. With sunny skies, temperatures in the 80s, and stagnant winds, conditions are expected to worsen throughout the day, making it difficult for sensitive groups to breathe.
Health Risks and Precautions for Residents
Residents with asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory issues are being urged to limit outdoor activities. It’s also recommended to avoid exertion, limit driving, and delay gasoline-powered yard work.
Those with respiratory issues should stay indoors as much as possible, especially during the afternoon and evening when air quality is at its worst.
For those who need to stay inside, the Michigan Department of EGLE advises keeping windows closed to prevent smoke from entering and using air conditioners equipped with HEPA or MERV-13 filters to reduce indoor air pollution.
Duration of the Advisory and Further Alerts
The air quality alert remains in effect through Friday night, but more advisories could be issued if the weather and smoke conditions persist into the weekend. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on air quality levels, especially if they have respiratory conditions.