Fireworks Prompt Anticipated Air Quality Advisory for Saturday

Fireworks Prompt Anticipated Air Quality Advisory for Saturday

(SEMCOG, July 4, 2025)

Oakland County, MI – SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, announces the fifth Air Quality Advisory of the season for Southeast Michigan. This advisory is due to elevated levels of both fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) and ozone. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) cites stagnant weather and expected fireworks activities as contributing factors. Sensitive groups are encouraged to take precautions.

“Air quality will remain a concern as we continue the warm holiday weekend on Saturday,” said Amy O’Leary, Executive Director of SEMCOG. “We advise residents—especially those with respiratory conditions—to limit prolonged outdoor activity, stay hydrated, and celebrate safely and responsibly,” O’Leary added.

EGLE noted that levels of particle pollution and ozone are expected to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI).

Air quality is 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. In partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), SEMCOG is now implementing a two-tiered system of Air Quality Advisories and Air Quality Alerts. This new system is based on the EPA’s U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI).

AQI chart with headings: Daily AQI Color; Levels of Concern; Values of Index; Description of Air Quality

The AQI is a scale from 0 to 500 that indicates air pollution levels. Higher values mean higher pollution and more health risks. When AQI exceeds 100, it’s unhealthy, starting with sensitive groups and worsening as it rises. There are six categories, each with a color, to easily gauge the level of health concern in communities.

More Information on Air Quality Advisories and Alerts

Air Quality Advisory: Issued when ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5) or both are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) threshold. Those considered in the “USG” threshold include people with lung disease (such as asthma), children, older adults, people who are active outdoors (including outdoor workers), people with certain genetic variants, and people with diets limited in certain nutrients should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. 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.

Air Quality Alert: Issued when Ozone, PM2.5, or both are expected to reach or exceed the Unhealthy threshold or worse. This alert indicates a higher level of concern as everyone, not just sensitive groups, can be affected by poor air quality.

Sign up to receive these updates, and learn more about air quality in Southeast Michigan on SEMCOG’s website: What You can Do to Keep the Air Clean.