Overview:
- As Michigan celebrates Independence Day, fireworks and stagnant weather have prompted air quality advisories across the state. In Metro Detroit, fine particle pollution poses risks to children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions.
- Along the Lake Michigan shoreline, ozone levels are rising under hot, sunny skies. With air quality expected to worsen, residents are encouraged to reduce pollution by limiting driving and postponing errands, while sensitive groups should consider staying indoors.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an air quality advisory for Friday, July 4, warning of unhealthy air conditions in multiple parts of the state due to pollution from fireworks and stagnant weather.
In Metro Detroit and surrounding counties — including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Washtenaw, Monroe, and St. Clair — fine particle pollution (PM2.5) is expected to reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease.
Counties along the Lake Michigan shoreline — Allegan, Berrien, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, and Van Buren — are under an ozone advisory as hot, sunny weather and light winds create ideal conditions for ozone formation.
Officials say air quality could deteriorate further into Saturday as a high-pressure system keeps winds light and smoke from fireworks lingers.
Residents are urged to take steps to reduce pollution, such as avoiding gas-powered equipment, limiting driving, and postponing errands. Sensitive groups should consider limiting outdoor activities.
See real-time air quality updates on Planet Detroit.
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