The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Advisory on Friday May 30 for elevated levels of fine particles (PM2.5) in the western half of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Wildfire smoke from Canada is expected to increase PM2.5 concentrations within the following counties to the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG, Orange Air Quality Index) range: Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, Menominee, and Ontonagon. Updates will be provided for the weekend if the air quality forecast worsens. 

Visit  www.michigan.gov/wildfiresmokeandhealth for more information about wildfire smoke impacts and recommended health actions. 

Recommended actions for the general population to take at the USG, Orange Air Quality Index include: 

• People living with lung and heart disease, adults aged 60+, pregnant people and children should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. 

• Prevent smoke from entering homes by closing windows and minimizing the opening of outside doors. If HVAC systems are not equipped with MERV 13 filters or higher, use portable air cleaners to maintain good indoor air quality. If possible, close the outdoor air intake on air conditioners. 

Recommended actions for Schools, Daycares, and other Outdoor Activities at the USG, Orange Air Quality Index include: 

• Limit time children spend outside to 30 minutes or less. Modify activities to reduce exertion and amount of inhaled smoke. Monitor for symptoms** during outdoor recess and other physical activities. 

• Prevent smoke from entering the building by closing windows and minimizing the opening of outside doors. If HVAC systems are not equipped with MERV-13 filters or higher, or if parts of the building are not served by the HVAC system, use portable air cleaners to maintain good indoor air quality. 

• If a wildfire smoke event occurs when it is hot and the school does not have an HVAC system, take steps to reduce solar heat gain, e.g., use shades on windows. 

Additional resources to help with messaging and providing guidance in your community: 

• Wildfire Smoke and Our Health fact sheet, which provides information on the health effects of wildfire smoke. 

• MICHAP Summer Climate and Health Education Resource Packet, which contains social media posts and talking points on wildfire smoke and health that can be downloaded and shared. 

• School Air Quality Poster and accompanying resource guide, which contains guidance for teachers and students on air quality and health. Michigan residents can order this poster at no cost from the MDHHS Clearinghouse. 

• People can check the air quality in their area at www.airnow.gov or they can sign up to receive air quality alerts directly from EnviroFlash using this link https://www.enviroflash.info/.