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The AQI reports on how clean or polluted the air in your area is and what effects breathing the outdoor air may have on your health. The AQI forecast is available in more than 500 US cities, and you can view an interactive map that rates the air quality across the US and Canada. The index is on a scale of 0 to 500 (0 being clean air and 500 being heavy pollution). Outside the US, you can check the World Air Quality Index for air pollution ratings across the globe.
The AQI takes into account five of the major air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act. These pollutants are ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
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If the air quality in your area is compromised, there are several things you can do to protect yourself. Special attention should be paid to those who have compromised respiratory, lung or heart health, as well as children and older adults who are generally more vulnerable.
If the air quality is unhealthy (101-150), the AQI website recommends that people who are sensitive to pollution (i.e., people with lung disease, asthma, children, older adults and outdoor workers) reduce or limit the time they spend working or doing activities outside. If the air quality is in a more moderate range (51-100), you can still protect yourself by reducing time spent outdoors if you're concerned that you're sensitive to pollution levels.
If the air quality falls in the unhealthy or red range (151-200), the AQI recommends that people with compromised health avoid prolonged outdoor work or activities. Everyone else who is not health-compromised should limit the time they spend outdoors.
If the air quality is in the very unhealthy or hazardous range, chances are an emergency alert will be issued by media outlets, weather apps and more. If this is the case, everyone should avoid going outside and being exposed to the air as much as possible. People with compromised health should not go outside at all to protect themselves.
If you are concerned about the air quality around you, wearing a face mask anytime you are exposed to the compromised air can help. Ensure your mask is rated as N95 and fits snugly over your nose and mouth. Surgical masks, medical masks and bandanas tied over your nose and mouth are not designed to filter out harmful air pollutants and will not protect you.
An air purifier can also help reduce smoke and pollution. These are the best air purifiers to buy if you're concerned about air quality in and around your home.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated.
Source: cnet.com