The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) in the western portion of the Upper Peninsula on Saturday and statewide Sunday until noon Monday. Pollutants across the state are expected to reach the Very Unhealthy (Purple) to Unhealthy (Red AQI) range in northern locations, with ranges of Unhealthy to USG (Orange AQI) further south. The Air Quality Alert Sunday into Monday is statewide. Wildfire smoke from Canada will push into Michigan from Saturday to Monday. Increased fine particulate levels will reach the western portion of the Upper Peninsula on Saturday afternoon. The smoke will push east and south, expanding across the rest of the state as Sunday progresses. Highest concentrations will be seen in northern areas with periods of Very Unhealthy to Unhealthy possible. Central locations could see readings ranging from Unhealthy to USG, and southern locations can expect levels of fine particulate in the Moderate to USG range. It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma. Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as: - outdoor burning - use of residential wood burning devices Tips for households: - Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters. For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan visit the MiAir site: https://air-egle.hub.arcgis.com/ For up-to-date air quality data nationally visit EPAs Air Now site: https://www.airnow.gov/ For further health information, please see MDHHS Wildfire Smoke and Your Health site: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental- health/your-health-and-wildfire-smoke
