Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. Common human sources include emissions from vehicles, factories, power plants, and home heating, while natural sources include wildfires, volcanoes, and gases released from decaying plants and animals.

Air pollution impacts the environment and human health and can occur indoors and outdoors. There are laws and regulations in place in Michigan to reduce air pollution. Some regulate industry, while others, such as the burning laws and regulations, have a more direct impact on individual household practices.

Air pollutants come from various sources, both anthropogenic and natural. The Clean Air Act identifies six criteria pollutants the U.S. EPA must set standards for, which are known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The six criteria pollutants include carbon monoxide, lead, ozone, particle pollution (PM), sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Sometimes, ground-level ozone and particle pollution are at levels that put people's health at risk, and EGLE Air Quality Division meteorologists call Clean Air Action Days.

Resources:

• Clean Air Act Permitting in Michigan: An overview of permitting regulations in Michigan
• EGLE Learn About Our Air Quality: Find out information about air quality in Michigan with air quality maps and alerts and info about additional air quality topics
• EnviroFlash: Sends air quality messages right to your inbox.
• AirNow Air Quality Index: A partnership between the EPA, NOAA, NPS, NASA, CDC, and other air quality agencies providing air quality data for your local area, including an interactive map.
• MEECS Air Quality: Curriculum unit from EGLE designed to explore the health effects of air pollutants and examine current Michigan air quality issues.
• West Michigan Clean Air Coalition: Find local information on how you can take action, stay informed, and learn about pollutants impacting Michigan's air quality. You can also access curricula and request a classroom speaker through WMCAC.
• EPA Air Topics: Learn more about pollution & air quality, indoor air, emissions, and more
• Clean Air Act Overview: Current and future challenges of air pollution

• Collect air quality data through observations (such as idling cars at the carpool line) and using scientific tools (such as homemade or purchased particle pollution monitors) and implement a community engagement campaign about air quality
• Plant Trees