Expect another smoggy day in metro Detroit.
The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) has declared its eighth Air Quality Advisory of the season for Tuesday, July 15, citing elevated levels of ozone.
Tuesday’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is orange, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
“Members of sensitive groups (active adults, people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults, and children) may experience health outcomes,” said the SEMCOG news release. “The general public is not likely to be affected.”
Air quality alerts are issued when ground-level ozone or particulate matter (PM5.2) exceed the unhealthy sensitive groups threshold.
“The combination of high temperatures and sunny skies this week is contributing to elevated ozone levels,” said Amy O’Leary, SEMCOG spokesperson, in a news release. “As we face this advisory, it’s important for everyone to take steps to reduce pollutants and protect our health, especially for vulnerable populations.”
It is advised that those at risk, specifically those suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma, avoid activities such as refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling, using gasoline-powered lawn equipment, and using charcoal lighter fluid.
Consider delaying or combining errands in anticipation and reducing time spent outdoors.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Air quality alert issued for Tuesday in metro Detroit citing high ozone levels
Reporting by Allana Smith, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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