Air Quality: Here's What You Should Know About AQI
The quality of the air we breathe plays a huge role in our health, but it's something we often overlook until we start feeling the effects. The recent Southern California wildfires have served as a stark reminder of how quickly natural disasters can degrade air quality. But our concern shouldn't be limited to these rare events—everyday factors like car emissions, allergens, and industrial pollution also pose significant risks to our health and well-being. Staying informed about air quality and taking proactive steps to protect ourselves is essential to safeguarding our health in the long run.
What is AQI?
AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a numerical scale used to measure and communicate the level of air pollution in a particular area. The AQI primarily tracks five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. These pollutants can have serious health effects, especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Thanks to new research, we now have a deeper understanding of how air quality—both indoors and outdoors—affects our well-being. PM10, particles less than 10 micrometers in size, and those even smaller PM2.5 can get into your lungs and even into your blood stream and affect your health. In fact, in 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined that air pollution impacts health at even lower concentrations than previously thought.1
However, it’s important to note that AQI does not measure all aspects of air quality. It doesn’t account for certain airborne toxins like heavy metals (including lead and mercury), VOCs like formaldehyde, and radioactive materials. Even so, knowing the measure of the pollutants that AQI does measure allows you to take precaution and safeguard your health.
How Does AQI Work?
The AQI is divided into six color-coded categories, each corresponding to a range of index values. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. For example, an AQI value of 50 or below signals good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 signals hazardous air quality.
| AQI Category & Color | Index Value | Air Quality Description |
|---|---|---|
|
0-50 | Air quality is satisfactory; air pollution poses little to no risk. |
|
51-100 | Air quality is acceptable with some risk to people who are sensitive to air pollution. |
|
101-150 | Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. |
|
151-200 | Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive health effects may experience more serious effects. |
|
201-300 | Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased to everyone. |
|
301 and higher | Health warning of emergency conditions. |
The chart explains how the air quality level is represented by a value and color for condition levels.
What Causes Unhealthy Air Quality?
Air pollution comes from various sources, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, construction activities, and natural events. These sources release pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5). PM2.5 particles are especially concerning because they are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to health issues ranging from respiratory irritation to cardiovascular problems.2
Pollution can travel long distances, affecting air quality far beyond its source. This can result in hazy skies, unpleasant odors, and air quality warnings urging people to stay indoors. No matter where you live, it’s important for you to check your AQI regularly and know what it is.
When it comes to wildfires, even if the fire is hundreds of miles away, its smoke can travel long distances, affecting air quality far beyond the immediate area of the fire. For residents impacted by the many fires that have occurred across the country, this has meant days of hazy skies, smoky odors, and air quality warnings urging people to stay indoors. Read more about how wildfires affect your air quality here.
What If I Stay Indoors - Am I Still Protected?
We understand how overwhelming it can feel to face polluted, smoggy and smoky air. Many people assume that staying indoors provides full protection, but unfortunately, indoor air can also become polluted. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor pollutant levels can be up to 100 times higher than those outdoors and could have a greater impact on your health.4 Additionally polluted air can seep into homes through open doors and windows, and ventilation systems compounding the problem.
How do you know that the air you breathe inside is also ‘good’? Simple steps like sealing windows and doors, using air quality monitors, and creating a clean air space in your home can also make a big difference.
Potential Health Issues Due to Unhealthy Air Quality?
Unhealthy air quality can lead to short and long-term health effects including:
It's important to note that the severity of these side effects depends on factors such as the concentration of pollutants, individual susceptibility, and the duration of exposure.
So, What Can You Do About Your Air Quality?
To improve your indoor air quality and improve your overall health and well-being, there are some preventative measures you can take:
Invest In An Air Purifier: It may seem like a simple solution, and it is. By placing an air purifier in your home you can reduce indoor pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5), viruses, bacteria, mold spores, wildfire smoke, and more. High quality HEPA filters capture 99.97% of airborne particles leading to cleaner, healthier indoor air quality.
Stay Informed: Check your AQI regularly. Use an AQI app or purchase an air quality monitor. Doing so helps you keep track of pollution levels and informs you with a live feed of your current air quality.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body flush out toxins that may have been inhaled.
Add Greenery: Although not enough to drastically improve your indoor air quality, placing a few indoor plants in your home can help absorb some pollutants and improve air quality.
Choose Low-Emission Products: Opt for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, cleaners, and other household products. These produce fewer harmful chemicals and improve indoor air quality.
Mary R.
Taking steps to improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to outdoor pollutants can help mitigate health risks and improve overall quality of health and life
The Air You Breathe
Being aware of the air you breathe is more important than ever. Understanding the quality of the air around you and staying informed about the AQI can make a significant difference in your health. By taking proactive steps, both big and small, you can protect your lungs and overall well-being. The AQI is a powerful tool to help you monitor air quality, and with the right information, you can make choices that have a lasting impact on your health. Clean air isn’t just essential; it’s a priority for your future.
The Air Purifier Can Make Your Indoor Air Feel Safer And Healthier
Using an air purifier like AirDoctor can be a helpful way to improve indoor air quality, especially when outdoor pollution levels are high. In fact, in a recent survey, 98% of AirDoctor customers said that their home's air feels cleaner, safer, and healthier after using AirDoctor. With its UltraHEPA filtration, it removes fine particles, smoke, and other airborne pollutants, creating a cleaner and healthier space to breathe. While we can’t always control the air outside, taking small steps—like purifying the air in our homes—can make a meaningful difference in our overall health and well-being.
If you have any questions or need additional guidance, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to ensure you and your family can breathe easier every day!
Sources
1) https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240034228
2)https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/health-and-environmental-effects-particulate-matter-pm
3) https://cleanair.camfil.us/2018/02/19/how-air-pollutants-from-far-away-can-harm-you/
4) https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/backgrounder.pdf
