07/16/2026
Air Quality
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued a Statewide Air Quality Alert for July 16 and July 17, 2026, for elevated levels of fine particulate due to wildfire smoke. Pollutants within those areas are expected to range from Very Unhealthy to Hazardous. Monitor air quality at EPA AirNow. Some areas will also experience moderate to major heat risk. Monitor heat risk at NWS HeatRisk.
More information can be found at EH.michigan.gov/WildfireSmoke-Health.
Recommended actions to protect health:
Everyone should seek cleaner air indoors and keep activity levels low.
While indoors, take action to improve the indoor air quality and do not engage in activities that will make the air quality worse.
DO: Close windows and minimize 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, use the recirculate feature on central HVAC systems and close the outdoor air intake on air conditioners if you have a window AC unit.
DO NOT: burn candles, use vacuums without a HEPA filter, use gas stoves more than necessary, smoke, spray aerosol products
If you don't have a portable air cleaner, consider creating a DIY Air Cleaner. If you do not already have the materials on hand and must go outside to purchase them, it is recommended to follow the masking recommendation below.
Reschedule or move all outdoor activities indoors, if possible.
When possible, make accommodations for employees to work inside with proper HVAC systems and high efficiency air filters. Contact MiOSHA for more information or to file a complaint.
If you must be outdoors for short periods of time, wear an N95 or P100 respirator marked with “NIOSH.” Instructions for fitting a respirator mask properly are at this link. If N95 or P100 respirators are not available or do not fit well, properly selected KN95 and KF94 respirators also filter particulate matter. Medical or surgical masks are the least effective option and should only be used as a last resort. Cloth, paper masks and tissues will not filter out wildfire smoke. Do not use masks for children under age 2.
Seek medical care if you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms: shortness of breath, constant or severe coughing, chest pain, dizziness or any type of change in consciousness/confusion, or worsening of any chronic conditions.
Heat Risk: Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed. Call or text 211 or contact your local health department to find out if there is a shelter or cooling center nearby. Or consider spending time in an air-conditioned public place such as a library, mall, movie theater, etc.
