October 26, 2004

The Department of Environmental Quality will host a new and innovative U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pilot project that will electronically provide air quality information to southeast Michigan residents who wish to receive it. EnviroFlash will transmit air quality information on fine particulate and ozone ground level pollution, via computer e-mail or mobile text messaging. The pollutants were selected because of their potential adverse health impacts at elevated concentrations.

The ultimate goal of the EnviroFlash is to develop a nationwide notification system that provides current, local, environmental information. The pilot is designed to initially provide air quality forecasts and/or Ozone Action! notifications electronically to people living or working in the Detroit metropolitan area. Real-time air data and emergency air event notification options will be added as the product evolves. Providing this information will help residents make informed decisions on planning their daily activities and make clean air choices that improve where we all live, work, and play.

“The DEQ is pleased that Michigan will pilot this new service,” said Vinson Hellwig, Chief of the DEQ, Air Quality Division. “It’s a great opportunity to communicate timely air quality information directly to those who are impacted or are particularly sensitive to air pollutants.”

“We are very excited about EnviroFlash and its potential to help Detroit residents who have asthma,” said Edith Parker, UM Associate Professor and member of Community Action Against Asthma. “Our research in Detroit has shown that children with asthma have reduced lung function and increased symptoms when there are increases in particulate matter and ozone. With EnviroFlash, parents can have advance notice to take precautions to better protect their children with asthma.”

The EnviroFlash pilot is being introduced in select cities across the nation. In addition to Detroit, other pilot cities include Cincinnati, Ohio; Nashville, Tennessee; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

To sign-up to receive EnviroFlash notices and for details about the Detroit pilot, go to the DEQ “Air” webpage at: www.michigan.gov/deqair.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised October 26, 2004 by Kathy Curtis