May 3, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality is pleased to announce the expansion of the EnviroFlash program, a service that provides air quality index (AQI) information via computer e mail or mobile text messaging. This information will allow individuals across Michigan to adjust daily activities when poor air conditions are expected.

The service is now available to those living or working in and around Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint, Saginaw, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland, and Traverse City. Detroit was one of five U.S. pilot cities where EnviroFlash was first made available.

“Michigan is proud to be a front runner in offering this new service,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “EnviroFlash will help people make informed decisions when planning daily activities in order to stay healthy.”

Residents can enroll on-line and select the health level at which they want to receive notices. Air quality is predicted for fine particle and ground-level ozone pollution. “Action! Days” (air advisories) are included as well.

“By participating in EnviroFlash and providing air quality information to your residents, Detroit and other Michigan cities are setting an example we hope others will follow,” said Steve Page, Director of the Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Enviroflash helps people take steps to protect their health – and it’s available free to any city that wants to sign up.”

Officials from The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the Michigan roll out of the EnviroFlash program, which is now nationally available in 100 cities across the nation, at a “World Asthma Day” event organized by the city of Detroit Office of Health and Wellness. Asthmatics fall into the “sensitive” population group and often have a particular need to know when poor air quality is predicted.

“Thousands of Michigan citizens – especially those in sensitive populations – will benefit greatly from this groundbreaking service,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “EnviroFlash’s innovative use of technology provides timely, up-to-date information for people with health conditions that are affected by air quality.”

While not everyone has access to a computer or text message phone, the DEQ is working to partner with schools, businesses, local governments, community centers, medical providers, newspapers, TV, radio stations, faith-based organizations, and others to sign up for EnviroFlash and help deliver AQI information to people they serve.

For details and to sign-up to receive EnviroFlash notices 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 May 3, 2005 by Pat Watson