Air Pollution in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Air pollution is a major environmental and public health issue in West Michigan. In Grand Rapids, air quality is affected by both natural sources and human activities, including traffic, industry, and seasonal weather patterns. Understanding local air pollution can help you protect your health and your family’s health year-round.

What Causes Air Pollution in Grand Rapids?

Natural and Human-Made Sources

Air pollutants in the Grand Rapids area come from:

  • Motor vehicle emissions (cars, trucks, buses on I-96, US-131, M-6, and major city corridors)
  • Industrial processes (manufacturing, metal finishing, food processing, and other local industries)
  • Combustion of fuels:
    • Gasoline and diesel
    • Natural gas
    • Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces
  • Dust and particles:
    • Road dust (especially from unpaved or poorly maintained roads)
    • Construction sites
    • Pollen and mold spores, especially in spring and fall
  • Natural events:
    • Windblown dust
    • Wildfire smoke drifting into Michigan from other states or Canada

The Kent County Health Department and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) monitor air quality in and around Grand Rapids and issue alerts when pollution levels rise.

Local Air Quality Patterns in Grand Rapids

Weather and Geography

Grand Rapids’ location in West Michigan and its climate influence how air pollution behaves:

  • Cold winters often mean:

    • More wood-burning for heat
    • Increased use of vehicles instead of walking or biking
    • Temperature inversions (layers of warm air trapping cold air near the ground), which can trap pollutants close to where people breathe

  • Warm, sunny summer days can:

    • Increase ground-level ozone (a major component of smog)
    • Worsen asthma and other lung conditions, especially during heat waves and high humidity

  • Low-lying areas and valleys, including parts near the Grand River, can:

    • Trap pollutants, especially on calm nights with little wind
    • Have poorer air quality compared to higher elevations or hilltop neighborhoods

Urban vs. Suburban Air Quality

Most Grand Rapids neighborhoods and nearby suburbs (such as Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, and Grandville) experience similar air quality, but:

  • Areas close to major roads or highways (within about 100 meters / 300 feet) often have:

    • Higher levels of vehicle-related pollutants
    • Increased exposure to fine particles and nitrogen dioxide

  • Suburbs and rural areas farther from traffic and industrial zones may:

    • Have slightly better air quality
    • Still be affected by regional pollution and ozone on hot summer days

Main Air Pollutants in Grand Rapids

The primary air pollutants affecting Grand Rapids include:

  • Carbon monoxide (CO)

    • Produced mainly by vehicle exhaust and fuel-burning appliances
    • Reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen

  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)

    • Comes from cars, trucks, power plants, and gas appliances
    • Can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems

  • Ozone (O₃) at ground level

    • Not emitted directly; formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants from vehicles and industry
    • Common on hot, sunny summer days
    • Can worsen asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases

  • Particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀)

    • Tiny particles from vehicle exhaust, wood smoke, industrial emissions, road dust, and wildfires
    • Fine particles (PM₂.₅) can reach deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream
    • Linked to heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and worsening of asthma and COPD

  • Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)

    • Produced by burning sulfur-containing fuels
    • Can irritate the airways and worsen breathing problems

Over the past several decades, air pollution levels in Grand Rapids have generally improved due to cleaner fuels, emissions controls, and environmental regulations. However, short-term “bad air” events still occur, especially during:

  • Summer ozone days
  • Winter inversions
  • Wildfire smoke events

Air Quality Alert Days in Grand Rapids

What Is an Air Quality Alert?

On certain days, EGLE and local agencies issue “Air Quality Action Days” or “Air Quality Alerts” for West Michigan, including Grand Rapids. These alerts are often related to:

  • High ozone (usually in summer)
  • High fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) (in winter or during wildfire smoke events)

Who Is Most at Risk?

On air pollution alert days, the following groups are especially vulnerable:

  • Children and teens
  • Older adults
  • People with:
    • Asthma
    • COPD or emphysema
    • Heart disease
    • Diabetes
  • Pregnant people

How to Protect Yourself on Alert Days

  • Limit strenuous outdoor exercise, especially near busy roads
  • Exercise early in the morning or later in the evening when pollution may be lower
  • Keep windows closed and use indoor air conditioning or air filtration if possible
  • Follow your asthma or COPD action plan and keep inhalers or medications on hand
  • Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Grand Rapids via:
    • AirNow.gov
    • Michigan EGLE air quality pages
    • Local news and weather outlets

Indoor Air Pollution in Grand Rapids Homes

Research shows that Americans, including residents of Grand Rapids, spend most of their time indoors. That makes indoor air quality just as important as outdoor air quality.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

  • Outdoor air pollution that seeps indoors through open windows, doors, and ventilation
  • Cigarette and vaping smoke
  • Emissions from gas appliances:
    • Faulty or unserviced gas heaters
    • Gas stoves without proper ventilation
    • Fuel-burning space heaters (risk of carbon monoxide poisoning)
  • Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces
  • Chemical fumes and odors from:
    • Fresh paint
    • Glues and adhesives
    • Cleaning products
    • Solvents and hobby materials
  • Biological pollutants:
    • Mold and mildew (especially in damp basements or older homes)
    • Pet dander and fur
    • Dust mites
  • Cooking fumes, especially in kitchens without exhaust fans

Improving Indoor Air Quality

  • Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms
  • Have gas heaters and fuel-burning appliances serviced regularly
  • Avoid smoking or vaping indoors
  • Reduce use of strong chemical cleaners and choose low-VOC products
  • Fix leaks and moisture problems to prevent mold growth
  • Use HEPA filters in vacuums or air purifiers, especially if someone has asthma or allergies

Dust, Particles, and Health in West Michigan

Dust and Fine Particles

Dust and other airborne particles can reduce air quality and affect health, particularly among people with:

  • Asthma
  • COPD or emphysema
  • Other chronic lung or heart conditions

Common symptoms from dust exposure include:

  • Eye irritation and redness
  • Scratchy throat or coughing
  • Worsening of asthma or breathing difficulties

Larger particles (PM₁₀) generally get trapped in the nose and throat, but fine particles (PM₂.₅) can:

  • Reach deep into the lungs
  • Trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks
  • Contribute to long-term lung and heart disease

In Grand Rapids, fine particle pollution can increase during:

  • Winter from wood-burning and vehicle emissions
  • Construction season and road work
  • Regional wildfire smoke episodes affecting Michigan

Hazardous Substances in the Air

Although many hazardous substances are now more tightly regulated, they can still pose risks when they become airborne.

Arsenic

  • Naturally found in rock and soil
  • Present in small amounts in food, water, and air
  • Sometimes used historically in wood preservatives and pesticides
  • Very high exposure (usually not from typical air pollution) can cause severe health effects or death

Asbestos

  • A group of minerals made of tiny fibers
  • Used in older building materials for fire resistance and insulation
  • When disturbed (during remodeling or demolition), fibers can become airborne
  • Breathing asbestos fibers can cause:
    • Lung cancer
    • Mesothelioma
    • Asbestosis

Asbestos is no longer mined in the United States and has been phased out of most new building materials, but older homes and buildings in Grand Rapids may still contain asbestos. Professional removal is essential.

Cadmium

  • A metal found in small amounts in the environment
  • Produced during smelting of metals such as zinc and copper
  • High exposure can cause:
    • Lung damage
    • Kidney disease

Lead

  • Historically used in:
    • Gasoline (phased out in the U.S.)
    • House paint
    • Some plumbing and industrial processes
  • Naturally present in very low concentrations in air
  • Can enter the air from:
    • Lead smelting
    • Waste incineration
    • Disturbing old lead-based paint during home renovations

In Grand Rapids, the biggest lead risk is usually from older housing stock with lead-based paint, not general outdoor air. Children are especially sensitive to lead exposure.

Health concerns from lead:

  • Even low levels can affect:
    • Brain development
    • Learning and behavior
  • High exposure can cause serious poisoning

If you live in an older home in Grand Rapids and are planning renovations, consult local guidelines or the Kent County Health Department for safe lead and asbestos handling.

Ozone Layer Depletion and Health

The ozone layer, located about 10–50 kilometers above Earth’s surface, protects us by filtering harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Certain human-made chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, damage this protective layer.

More UV radiation reaching the ground increases the risk of:

  • Skin cancer
  • Cataracts and other eye problems
  • Premature skin aging
  • Immune system effects

While global agreements have reduced many ozone-depleting substances, it remains important in Michigan to:

  • Use sunscreen
  • Wear hats and UV-protective sunglasses
  • Limit direct sun exposure, especially in summer and near water, where reflection increases UV exposure (relevant around Lake Michigan and local lakes and rivers)

Air Pollution, Greenhouse Gases, and Climate Change in Michigan

The Earth naturally insulates itself with greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide), which help keep the planet warm enough for life. Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities—especially the burning of fossil fuels—have greatly increased these gases in the atmosphere.

Effects on Michigan and Grand Rapids

Climate change projections for Michigan suggest:

  • Warmer average temperatures
  • More heat waves in summer
  • Changes in precipitation patterns
  • More frequent extreme weather events

These changes can affect health in Grand Rapids by:

  • Increasing heat-related illnesses
  • Worsening air quality (more ozone on hot days)
  • Lengthening pollen seasons, which can worsen allergies and asthma
  • Increasing the risk of flooding and associated mold growth in homes

Reducing fossil fuel use, improving energy efficiency, and using cleaner transportation options can help both air quality and climate.

Lawn Equipment and Neighborhood Air Pollution

Even small engines can be significant local polluters. Common contributors in Grand Rapids neighborhoods include:

  • Gas-powered lawn mowers
  • Leaf blowers
  • Snow blowers
  • Other small gas-powered tools

These engines often lack the advanced pollution controls found in modern cars and can emit high levels of pollutants relative to their size.

To reduce local air pollution:

  • Consider electric or battery-powered equipment
  • Maintain and service gas-powered tools regularly
  • Limit use on Air Quality Alert days

Protecting Your Health in Grand Rapids

Everyday Steps

  • Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Grand Rapids, especially if you have asthma, COPD, or heart disease
  • Avoid heavy exercise near busy roads and highways
  • Keep car windows closed in heavy traffic and use recirculated air settings
  • Reduce use of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, or ensure they are efficient and properly vented
  • Maintain heating systems and gas appliances
  • Avoid smoking indoors and in vehicles

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your Grand Rapids primary care provider or local urgent care (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health/University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health) if you notice:

  • Worsening shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Frequent coughing or wheezing
  • Asthma symptoms that are not controlled by your usual medications

In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Local Resources for Air Quality in Grand Rapids

  • Your GP or primary care doctor
    For evaluation and management of asthma, COPD, heart disease, and other conditions affected by air pollution.

  • Kent County Health Department
    Information on local environmental health, lead, and indoor air concerns.
    Website: https://www.accesskent.com/Health

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City of Grand Rapids
    May provide updates on local environmental and public health programs.

  • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
    For air quality alerts, emissions information, and environmental regulations.
    Website: https://www.michigan.gov/egle

  • AirNow.gov
    For real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) for Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Key Points

  • In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the main source of air pollution is motor vehicle emissions, especially along major highways and busy roads.
  • Combustion of fossil fuels (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, wood) has greatly increased greenhouse gas levels over the last 50 years, contributing to climate change.
  • Increased greenhouse gases are making the planet warmer and are linked to more extreme weather and air quality challenges in Michigan.
  • Gas-powered lawn equipment and small engines are significant neighborhood-level contributors to local air pollution.
  • Air pollution can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks and cause serious breathing-related and cardiovascular problems, especially in vulnerable populations in Grand Rapids.