Understanding and Improving Your AQI

What is Air Quality Index (AQI)?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a vital tool for understanding the cleanliness of the air we breathe. Think of it as a weather forecast, but instead of predicting sunshine or rain, it tells us about the levels of pollutants in the air. The AQI translates complex air quality data into a simple, easy-to-understand number. This number corresponds to a color-coded scale, ranging from green (good air quality) to maroon (hazardous air quality). The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern.

Why is AQI Important?

Knowing the AQI is crucial for protecting our health, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or heart disease. When the AQI is high, these groups are at a greater risk of experiencing adverse health effects like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and even more serious cardiovascular problems. For example, during periods of wildfire smoke, the AQI can spike dramatically, prompting public health advisories urging people to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities. Even healthy individuals can experience irritation and discomfort from poor air quality.

Major Air Pollutants Measured by AQI

The AQI typically tracks five major air pollutants:

• Ground-level Ozone: Formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, and other sources react in sunlight. Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, throat irritation, and reduced lung function.
• Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): These are tiny particles suspended in the air. PM2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers) is especially dangerous because it can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Sources include combustion, industrial processes, and construction. PM10 includes larger particles like dust and pollen.
• Carbon Monoxide: A colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuels. It can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the body's organs and tissues.
• Sulfur Dioxide: Primarily emitted from the burning of fossil fuels, especially coal, sulfur dioxide can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to acid rain.
• Nitrogen Dioxide: Another gas formed from the burning of fossil fuels, nitrogen dioxide can also irritate the respiratory system and contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain.

AQI Scale and Health Implications

The AQI scale is divided into six categories, each with its own color and health implications:

• 0-50 (Green): Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
• 51-100 (Yellow): Moderate. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
• 101-150 (Orange): Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.
• 151-200 (Red): Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
• 201-300 (Purple): Very Unhealthy. Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.
• 301-500 (Maroon): Hazardous. Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

How to Check the