Wildfire Air Quality
Air quality may be impacted by current wildfire conditions. Please visit our Wildfire Air Quality Impact page for air quality information.
As we are all aware, Canadian wildfires are producing levels of smoke in the environment at a higher level than we have previously seen. You can monitor the current AQI and follow the specific guidance provided on an ongoing basis.
Particulate sampling for PM2.5 has been completed across a large cross-section of University of Michigan campus buildings, including offices, laboratories, childcare centers, and recreation facilities.
Sampling has consistently shown a 70–80% reduction in particulate levels indoors compared to outdoor levels. This indicates that building HVAC filtration systems are removing a substantial portion of particulate matter from outdoor wildfire smoke.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to a smoke odor, may still be noticeable because they are not removed as effectively by standard particulate filtration. However, air sampling for VOCs has shown levels to be typical of background conditions or only slightly above. All are well below established health exposure limits.
In summary, conditions inside U-M buildings are significantly better than outdoor conditions during wildfire smoke events. Please continue to follow university guidance and limit outdoor exposure when air quality conditions are poor. If individuals are experiencing health concerns related to odors/particulate in the building, supervisors may use their discretion to allow employees to leave the workplace or work remotely, as appropriate.
If your work activities do not allow you to remain indoors, please consider wearing an N95 respirator. EHS has N95 respirators available at the EHS office for those that must work outdoors. N95s are very effective at removing wildfire particulates when properly worn and are recommended by the EPA and other health officials.
EHS is available for consultation as needed, but will no longer be responding to general air quality requests due to the extensive amount of data collection from across campus that is summarized above.
