Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

In summer people spend long hours outdoors to enjoy the fresh air. Yet the quality of our outdoor air can be poor. Pollutants are emitted into the air each day from factories, businesses, homes, and vehicles. State inspectors of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality regulate pollutant emissions. Only some businesses are required to have an emissions permit. Many businesses are not required to have a permit.

Our homes are also a source of pollutants. We can help reduce the amount of air pollutants by careful use of home products and responsible use of machinery and vehicles. Pollutants of most concern are organic liquid products that produce vapors, such as gasoline, paint remover, and charcoal lighter fluid. The fumes from these products chemically react in the presence of sunlight to produce ground level ozone. Ozone at ground level is a harmful pollutant and lung irritant. Ozone concentrations can reach unhealthy levels when the weather is hot and sunny with little or no wind.

We can breathe easier and reduce the amount of ozone produced by taking some action steps on hot, humid days:

• Limit driving. Carpool, walk or bike. Combine errands.

• Don’t mow lawns until after 6 PM, when temperatures begin to cool.

• Avoid refueling your vehicle that day. If you must refuel do so after dark when it is cooler.

• Save painting chores for another day.

• Don’t use outdoor grill lighter fluid.

• Reduce use of household chemicals and solvents that have fumes or evaporate easily.

If you have questions about air quality, please call the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3603.