Has the air quality improved in Michigan? See current readings

Areas in Michigan’s Decrease Peninsula are reporting cleaner air Tuesday, Feb. 17, as elevated winds disperse pollution launched into the environment by melting snow.

As of 9 a.m. Feb. 17, Michigan reported a mixture of acceptable to average air, with the Decrease Peninsula experiencing continued issues, in line with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s Air Quality Index Dashboard.

Tremendous particulate matter concentrations vary from 51-100 for many of the Decrease Peninsula. In line with the air high quality index stage, air is appropriate however can nonetheless pose a threat to delicate teams AirNow.

In EGLE’s prolonged forecast, Michigan is predicted to have temperate air statewide Warm temperatures will continue, with southern areas seeing 60 degree days.

Earlier this week, speedy snowmelt led to an air high quality alert in southeastern Michigan. As snow melted from the state’s current 50-degree climate, trapped tremendous particles reminiscent of smoke, mud, soot and grime have been launched into the air. The particles are unhealthy for anybody to breathe, however particularly for folks with current well being issues reminiscent of bronchial asthma. The warning expired at midday on Monday, February 16.

Listed here are air high quality measurements in Michigan and extra concerning the index:

Is air high quality nonetheless dangerous in Michigan?

As of 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 17, listed here are the PM2.5 values ​​for Michigan cities, in line with EGLEs Air Quality Index Dashboard And AccuWeather:

• Detroit: 97 (average)
• Grand Rapids: 82 (average)
• Dearborn: 81 (average)
• Lansing: 78 (average)
• Bay city: 77 (average)
• Ann Arbor: 73 (average)
• Tecumseh: 72 (average)
• Kalamazoo: 69 (average)
• Houghton Lake: 62 (average)
• Benton harbour: 53 (average)
• Cross metropolis: 52 (average)
• Alpena: 50 (good)
• Saul Ste. Marie: 41 (good)
• Gaylord: 40 (good)
• Marquette: 28 (good)
• Ironwood: 26 (good)

Air high quality index: who belongs to a ‘delicate group’?

‘Delicate teams’ establish individuals who could also be at higher threat of respiration polluted air than others.

In line with the EPA, folks with respiration issues (reminiscent of bronchial asthma), coronary heart or lung illness, diabetes, seniors or youngsters, or of decrease socioeconomic standing are all thought of sensitive group.

As well as, outdoor workers and pregnant people are among the many Michigan Well being and Human Companies Division’s delicate teams.

What does PM2.5 imply on the air high quality index?

On the AQI, particulate matter measurements, labeled ‘PM2.5’, vary from 0-301 or greater, and measures the particulate matter in the airreminiscent of smoke, mud, soot or grime.

The quantity “2.5” implies that particles are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller, in line with the EPA — that is 30 occasions smaller than the common human hair, which is about 70 micrometers in diameter.

How can I verify the air high quality in my space?

Michigan residents can verify present situations by EGLEs MiAir Quality Index Dashboard. The interactive map supplies AQI scores for cities throughout the state.

Residents may use it AirNowa part of the US Air High quality Index, and verify native situations by looking by zip code or metropolis. AccuWeather also has an AQI characteristic that lists the present pollution within the air.

As well as, the Michigan Division of HHS has a Facebook And X account. Residents can subscribe to alerts by the division EnviroFlash system.

Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com