Here are some tools to help you better understand the air quality around you including when wildfires are burning. These include a map with color-coded dots showing real-time air quality information. Another map shows Michigan's air monitors and what they measure. Helpful links to air sensor information are also listed below.

Air quality alerts are called by EGLE's meteorologists when air quality may be harmful for sensitive groups. Air quality forecasts, the Air Quality Index (AQI), and notifications are available through EnviroFlash. Enviroflash sends notifications directly to you. Alerts may be issued for fine particulate matter throughout the year and ground-level ozone from March 1 through October 31.

The Ozone layer is the upper atmosphere helps protect the earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Ground-level ozone is unhealthy to breathe. It can narrow a person's airways and lungs to work harder to provide oxygen to the body. Individuals most susceptible to the effects of ozone exposure include individuals with a pre-existing or chronic respiratory disease, children, and adults who actively exercise or work outdoors.

Asbestos is a general name given to a group of minerals that do not dissolve in water or evaporate. Asbestos fibers resist heat and fire and cannot be broken down easily by chemicals or bacteria. Asbestos has been used in many products, such as insulation, floor tile, roofing materials and siding.   Although most of these products are no longer made using asbestos, there is still a risk of exposure to asbestos during renovations and demolitions.

EGLE regulates many different air pollutants. This is done through permitting of industrial sources of pollution to keep levels of pollutants below National Ambient Air Quality Standards and other health-based levels.

Burning rules can be confusing. The burning of unwanted materials such as paper, trees, brush, leaves, grass, and other debris releases air pollutants and pose a forest fire hazard. The air pollution created by burning can irritate eyes and lungs, obscure visibility, soil nearby surfaces, create annoying odors or pose other nuisance or health threats.