GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Clean Air Action Day has been issued for Wednesday, June 19, and West Michiganders are encouraged to take precautions.
The alert is in effect for Allegan, Berrien, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Van Buren counties.
Clean Air Action Days are called when there are high levels of ozone or particulate matter in the atmosphere, ultimately lowering the air quality.
Throughout ozone season, which runs from March through September, Air Quality Division meteorologists with the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) monitor air quality forecasts. If the quality drops to harmful levels, a Clean Air Action Day is issued, usually the day before.
Clean Air Action Days are often called when the weather is very warm or hot with light winds, as this tends to exacerbate air quality issues.
On Clean Air Action Days, the air quality can be harmful to people with sensitive respiratory systems, including those with conditions like asthma. Anyone who may be especially impacted by poor air quality should avoid too much activity outdoors on those days.
Here's what you should do to avoid contributing to the poor air quality when Clean Air Action Days are called:
- Mow lawns and re-fuel vehicles after 6 p.m.
- Use natural gas, propane gas or an electric outdoor grill. Avoid using light fluid to start your charcoal.
- Walk or bike to work, or work from home.
- Take mass transit to your destinations; check the Rapid Bus and Max systems to see if free rides are available.
You can sign up to receive air quality notifications and learn more here.
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