Saturday is First Air Quality Advisory for the Year
(SEMCOG, May 17, 2024)
SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, announces that tomorrow, May 18 is the first Air Quality Advisory of the year for Southeast Michigan.
“While we enjoy another spring day tomorrow, it is important to be aware that concentrated air pollutants can affect the health of Southeast Michigan residents – especially our most vulnerable populations,” said Amy O’Leary, Executive Director, SEMCOG.
In its air quality advisory, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) noted that pollutants are expected to be in a range that is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI).
“Ample sunshine, light winds with a southern component, and increasing surface and upper-level temperatures, will make conditions conducive for ozone development Saturday,” said Stephanie Hengesbach, Meteorology Specialist, Air Quality Division, EGLE. “The timing of highest ozone concentrations will be during the mid-afternoon to early evening hours,” Hengesbach said.
It is important for local governments, businesses, and individuals to do what they can to voluntarily lower pollutant emissions when high levels of ozone are expected. Breathing high concentrations of ozone can cause a variety of health problems, particularly for the elderly, children, and people with asthma or other respiratory issues.
It is recommended that, when possible, strenuous outdoor activities are avoided, especially by those with respiratory diseases such as asthma. People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which can lead to ozone formation.
Activities to avoid include:
Refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling;
Using gasoline-powered lawn equipment;
Using charcoal lighter fluid.
Positive activities include:
Driving less;
Telecommuting;
Walking or bike riding (according to conditions and individual ability);
delaying or combining errands;
using water-based paints.
Air quality an important measure identified in SEMCOG plans and programs for creating desirable communities, protecting public health, and maintaining a positive regional image for Southeast Michigan. Over three decades ago, SEMCOG began Ozone Action, a voluntary program to encouraged keep Southeast Michigan’s air clean. In 2023, there were 16 Ozone Action days and eight air quality alerts in Southeast Michigan.
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), SEMCOG is moving away from Action Days and implementing a two-tiered system of Air Quality Advisories and Air Quality Alerts.
Pollutant Thresholds for Air Quality Advisories and Air Quality Alerts
Air Quality Advisory: Sent when Air Quality expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups
Ozone – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG), 71-85 ppb; PM-2.5 – USG, 35.5-55.4 ug/m3
Air Quality Alert: Sent when Air Quality is expected to be exceed the threshold of unhealthy for sensitive groups and impact everyone
Ozone – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Everyone, 86+ppb; PM-2.5 – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Everyone, 55.5+ ug/m3
As defined by EGLE: An Air Quality Advisory is when Ozone (71-85 ppb), PM-2.5 (35.5-55.4 ug/m3) or both are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) threshold.
This is aimed to provide awareness for poor air quality, encourage people to limit activities that contribute to poor air quality, and to alert those who are especially sensitive to poor air quality.
An Air Quality Alert is when Ozone (86+ppb), PM-2.5 (55.5+ ug/m3) or both are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy threshold or worse.
This is similar to an advisory but raises the level of awareness due to everyone being affected by poor air quality.