Air Quality Alert

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has declared an Air Quality Alert for Wednesday, July 8th, for elevated levels of ozone 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 Alert is in effect for the following counties in southwest Michigan...

Berrien and Cass

Warm temperatures, ample sunlight and southwest winds will mix with pollutants to produce surface-level Ozone in west and southwest Michigan.

It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes.

People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which lead to ozone formation. These activities include:

* refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling;

* using gasoline powered lawn equipment;

* using charcoal lighter fluid.

Positive activities include:

* driving less;

* telecommuting;

* delaying or combining errands;

For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan visit the MiAir site: Michigan.gov/MiAir

For up-to-date air quality data nationally visit EPA's Air Now site: AirNow.gov