How safe is the air? Here’s how to check and what the numbers mean

NEW YORK – How can you check the air quality in your area and what do the numbers mean?

The Environmental Protection Agency monitors the air across the country and creates a Air Quality Index or AQI.

Here’s what you should know about the Index and how to keep an eye on your region, especially in US regions grappling with smoke from Canadian wildfires.

WHAT DOES THE AIR QUALITY INDEX MEASURE?

The index measures how clean or polluted the air is each day. The EPA uses this measure to keep tabs on five types of air pollutants. The biggest concern from the wildfire smoke is fine dust pollutionor PM2.5. These particles are small enough to get deep into the lungs. They can cause problems like coughing and itchy eyes in the short term and affect the lungs and heart in the long term.

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS AND COLORS MEAN?

The index ranges from zero to 500. The higher the number, the worse the air quality. This area is divided into six color-coded categories. Green or yellow – ranging from zero to 100 – the air is fairly clear. Once it turns orange, air quality could pose an issue for vulnerable groups like children, older adults, or those with health conditions.

In the red and purple zones, air quality is considered unhealthy for everyone. And once it turns maroon – at 301 or more – the pollution level is dangerous.

Record at this high level Precautions to avoid inhaling the hazardous air. That may mean reducing your outdoor activities, running air purifiers indoors, and wearing a well-fitting mask like an N95 when you’re outside.

“If you have to make an effort, then make less effort. Drink more,” says Dr. Leonardo Trasande, who studies environmental health at New York University.

How is the air in my area?

Check over AirNow.gov, which is updated every hour. The website shows a real-time air quality map across the country and also includes a forecast for the coming day. The map includes measurements from a network of air monitoring stations across the country. States and cities may also offer more local counseling.

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