Daily Detroit air quality and smoke conditions

What you need to know about wildfire smoke and air quality today in Detroit — all in one place. This post is updated regularly.

Today’s Smoke Conditions

Click here to go to the live map.

Map captured 9:07 am on July 16.

Current Air Quality Conditions in Detroit

  • Location: Detroit, MI Current Air Quality: 09/26/23 1:00 PM EDT Good – 47 AQI – Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) Good – 24 AQI – Ozone Good – 19 AQI – Particle Pollution (10 microns) Agency: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Last Update: Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:15:00 EST
  • Location: Detroit, MI Forecast: Today, 09/26/2023: Moderate – Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) Tomorrow, 09/27/2023: Moderate – Particle Pollution (2.5 microns) Thursday, 09/28/2023: Good – Ozone Friday, 09/29/2023: Good – Ozone Agency: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Last Update: Tue, 26 Sep 2023 02:15:06 EST

About the Air Quality Index

*Sensitive (at-risk) groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Pay attention in extreme heat. Extreme heat can lead to potentially deadly illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If it is hot outdoors, and you feel hot indoors, go somewhere with air conditioning, if possible. Source: AirNow.gov

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized and widely used system that provides information about the quality of outdoor air and the potential health risks associated with different levels of air pollution. It measures and communicates the level of pollutants in the air and their impact on human health.

The AQI typically focuses on common air pollutants such as ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These pollutants are known to have adverse effects on human health and the environment.

The AQI scale is divided into different categories or levels, which represent different air quality conditions and associated health risks. The categories may vary slightly depending on the country or region, but generally, they include the following common ranges:

  1. Good (0-50): Air quality is satisfactory, and there is little to no health risk. This range represents the best air quality conditions.
  2. Moderate (51-100): Air quality is acceptable, but there may be a slight health concern for certain sensitive groups, such as individuals with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly.
  3. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150): People with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may experience health effects. The general population may also be affected to a lesser extent.
  4. Unhealthy (151-200): Air quality is considered unhealthy, and everyone may experience some adverse health effects, particularly individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
  5. Very Unhealthy (201-300): The air quality is significantly impaired, and the entire population is likely to be affected. The risk of respiratory and cardiovascular health problems is high.
  6. Hazardous (301 and above): Air quality is extremely poor, and the health impact can be severe. Emergency conditions may be declared, and the general population may experience serious health effects.

The AQI provides an easily understandable and actionable way to inform the public about air quality conditions. It allows individuals, communities, and public health officials to make informed decisions regarding outdoor activities, such as exercising, spending time outdoors, and taking necessary precautions to protect their health.

It’s important to note that the AQI is a general indicator and may not capture all aspects of air pollution. Local factors, such as specific pollutants, weather conditions, and regional variations, can influence air quality even within the same AQI category.

Daily Air Quality in Detroit 2023

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