May 1, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Department of Community Health have partnered together to promote National Air Quality Awareness Week currently underway in Michigan. The week of April 29 to May 5, has been designated to help educate the public about air quality health concerns and how everyone can help improve Michigan's air quality.

Michigan residents are encouraged to become "aware about air" and each day will focus on a different outdoor air quality topic:

- Monday - Ozone and particle pollution

- Tuesday - Causes of poor air quality

- Wednesday - Keeping your heart and lungs safe

- Thursday - Air quality forecasts

- Friday - What you can do

Throughout the year there are days when air quality could pose potential health risks to sensitive populations. Air Quality Awareness Week aims to educate people across Michigan about what causes outdoor air pollution, what people can do to protect their health when air quality is poor, and how they can reduce air pollution by making simple choices in their daily lives.

"Air Quality Awareness Week is a reminder to Michigan citizens to learn about their local air quality and how they can help improve it," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "While Air Quality Awareness Week is a national effort, Michigan is able to provide residents with information and choices specific to our state and our communities."

Michigan residents are able to use the MIair Web page to keep track of real-time air quality levels across the state and enroll to receive free EnviroFlash air quality forecast notifications via e-mail or text message. Users can select to receive a notice every day, or only when poor air quality is expected. EnviroFlash also alerts participants about Ozone Action! Days.

In Michigan, transportation choices play a significant role in the quality of the air. Ozone Action! and RideShare programs encourage residents to take action to reduce pollution by raising the awareness of the alternatives to driving alone to work such as taking the bus, biking, walking, or joining a car pool.

More information about air quality levels and clean air choices is available from the following Web sites: National www.airnow.gov; and Michigan www.michigan.gov/deqair.

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

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised May 1, 2007 by Pat Watson