What to know about the Air Quality Index (AQI)
What is the AQI?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures how clean or polluted the air is and what health effects might be a concern. It ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers meaning worse air quality.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures how clean or polluted the air is and what health effects might be a concern. It ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers meaning worse air quality.
AQI levels:
- 🟢 0–50: Good – Air quality is satisfactory.
- 🟡 51–100: Moderate – Sensitive individuals may notice effects.
- 🟠 101–150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups – Children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activity.
- 🔴 151–200: Unhealthy – Everyone may begin to experience effects.
- 🟣 201–300: Very Unhealthy – Avoid outdoor activity if possible.
- ⚫ 301–500: Hazardous – Health warnings of emergency conditions.
Tips for bad air days:
- Limit outdoor activity, especially exercise.
- Use an N95 mask outdoors if needed.
- Keep windows closed and use air purifiers indoors.
- Check local AQI forecasts daily.