The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has declared an Air Quality Advisory for Tuesday July 15 and Wednesday July 16, for elevated levels of ozone and fine particulate (PM2.5) in parts of southwest Michigan. Pollutants within those areas are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange AQI) range. The Air Quality Advisory is in effect for the following counties in southwest Michigan. Berrien and Cass Wildfire smoke may trigger elevated particulates and ozone levels. It is recommended that, when possible, you stay indoors and keep time outdoors short and avoid strenuous activities, especially those with respiratory diseases such as asthma. Recommendations to reduce pollution and potential health effects: PM 2.5: * Reduce or eliminate outdoor burning, and the use of residential wood burning devices; * Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors, and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV- 13 or higher rated filters. Ozone: * Using gas-powered lawn equipment; * Driving less or delaying and/or combining errands; * Refueling less or topping off when refueling. 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 EPA's Air Now site: https://www.airnow.gov/ For further health information, please see MDHHS's Wildfire Smoke and You Health site: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental- health/your-health-and-wildfire-smoke
