LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has called a Clean Air Action Day for Wednesday, as ozone levels are expected to be in the unhealthy for sensitive groups range.

The air quality alert affects Allegan, Benzie, Berrien, Cass, Grand Traverse, Kalamazoo, Kent, Leelanau, Manistee, Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, Mason, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Genesee, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

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Ozone (O3) is an atmospheric gas that helps absorb harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. It is typically concentrated in the upper atmosphere, but it forms near the ground when certain pollutants react in the presence of heat and sunlight. Exposure to ozone can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Children, older adults, those with asthma, and those who are active outdoors are most likely to be affected.

According to EGLE, ozone season in Michigan runs from March 1 through September. During this period, meteorologists monitor air quality forecasts and may call Clean Air Action Days when ozone or particulate matter levels put people at risk.

“The current high ozone episode affecting parts of Michigan is due to the same air mass hovering over Michigan for days at a time,” said Jim Haywood, EGLE meteorologist. “Hot weather and clear skies are the culprit.”
Wildfires in Canada have impacted air quality on the U.S.’s east coast, but Haywood says they have had little impact on the current elevated ozone in Michigan. They have, however, contributed to other unusual sky conditions.

“It was a bit surreal to have no clouds but gray skies and only weak shadows showing,” Haywood said. “This was a result of wildfires in Canada sending elevated smoke down through the Midwest. Fortunately, the layer of smoke is staying elevated and not filtering down to the ground in any significant amounts.”

EGLE reports that the threat of increased ozone levels may taper off over the weekend as the airmass moves across the region. Daily forecast updates will be released until air quality improves. Michiganders can track the quality of local air through EGLE’s Air Quality Index website.