Southeast Michigan faces persistent challenges with air pollution from industrial facilities, traffic, and climate change. Our coverage tracks pollution sources, regulatory enforcement, and the communities fighting for cleaner air.
Rain brings some relief for Canadian fire crews, Detroit air quality
The risk of another smoke event is not high, “but it’s not zero,” Canada Wildfire’s Brian Wiens tells Planet Detroit.
Detroit Zoo stays open through wildfire smoke: How it keeps animals, people safe
Animals tend to know when they should change their surroundings, says Detroit Zoo’s life sciences director: “Sometimes animals are four steps ahead of us.”
Detroit denies land use approval for east side oil recycling facility after 2025 fire
In hopes of restoring operations, the Aevitas oil recycing facility submitted a site plan to expand the existing 15,757-square-foot building by an additional 16,177 square feet.
Detroit air quality improves as wildfire smoke eases: What the forecast says
The city of Detroit is distributing free face masks at recreation centers while supplies last.
Detroit air quality to improve Saturday, but relief may be short-lived
“The forecast does have more rain, but it would take a lot to slow these fires down,” says state of Michigan meteorologist Jim Haywood.
Michigan environmental news: Environmental group slams Line 5 tunnel permit decisions
State agencies approve permits for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project, Detroit announces a major sewer repair program, and regulators investigate utilities over widespread power outages.
VOICES: Wildfire smoke exposes a hard truth — why staying indoors isn’t enough in Michigan
Public health officials tell us to stay inside. But as wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and power outages pile up in Michigan, the buildings we shelter in need to catch up.
Federal judge to DTE: No delays for Clean Air Act compliance on Zug Island
DTE is appealing a $100-million judgment over sulfur dioxide pollution from its Zug Island subsidiary.
Detroit air quality is worst in city’s recorded history from Canadian wildfires
The air pollution in Detroit exceeds the air quality index itself, which may need to “go beyond hazardous,” meteorologist says.
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What is the AQI?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures how clean or polluted the air is and what health effects might be a concern. It ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers meaning worse air quality.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures how clean or polluted the air is and what health effects might be a concern. It ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers meaning worse air quality.
AQI levels:
- 🟢 0–50: Good – Air quality is satisfactory.
- 🟡 51–100: Moderate – Sensitive individuals may notice effects.
- 🟠 101–150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups – Children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activity.
- 🔴 151–200: Unhealthy – Everyone may begin to experience effects.
- 🟣 201–300: Very Unhealthy – Avoid outdoor activity if possible.
- ⚫ 301–500: Hazardous – Health warnings of emergency conditions.
Tips for bad air days:
- Limit outdoor activity, especially exercise.
- Use an N95 mask outdoors if needed.
- Keep windows closed and use air purifiers indoors.
- Check local AQI forecasts daily.