With Canadian wildfires sending drifting smoke toward Michigan, officials on May 30 issued a statewide air quality advisory from Friday, May 30, to Saturday, May 31.
Residents who worry about the health effects of the smoke can check the air quality index to see what, if any, precautions they should take.
Meteorologists at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued air quality advisories for levels of fine particulate in the air statewide on Friday.
“The 2023 Canadian wildfire event emphasized how important communication is when wildfire smoke may impact Michigan’s communities,” said Annette Switzer, EGLE’s Air Quality Division director, “We want to ensure residents are informed and know how to protect themselves and their families.”
Here’s more on the air quality index.
What is the air quality index?
The AQI shows the outdoor air quality for public health. It features six color-coded categories, from good (0-50) to hazardous (301 plus).
The AQI takes into account five air pollutants:
How can I check the air quality?
Michigan residents can check current conditions through EGLE’s MiAir Quality Index Dashboard. The interactive map provides AQI scores for cities across the state. The dashboard provides the AQI score for numerous locations across Michigan.
In addition, residents can use AirNow, part of the U.S. Air Quality Index, and check local conditions by searching their ZIP Code. The page allows you to check air quality trends for locations.
The page also allows you to view a national map showing areas of poor air quality.
The EPA’s fire and smoke map shows locations nationwide and allows viewer to click on monitoring stations to obtain local air data as well as fire locations and other information. In addition, the interactive map can add a layer to show the extent of airborne smoke.
AccuWeather has an AQI feature that lists the current pollutants in the air.
What is PM2.5?
Fine particulate matter is inhalable pollutant particles with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, resulting in serious health issues.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: What’s an air quality index? How to check pollution levels where you live
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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