No matter what time of the year or season it is, air quality can have a significant impact on our lives (and lungs). Air quality issues, measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI), can pose health risks associated with breathing the air in a particular area.
Elevated levels of air pollution can worsen allergy symptoms and may lead to asthma issues. High concentrations of certain pollutants can also increase the amount of airborne allergens, such as pollen. Additionally, if the AQI level is above 100, or in the "orange" range, it is unhealthy for sensitive groups of people. And if the AQI level is above the 100 range, air quality impacts everyone as the index value increases.
Unfortunately, most adults in the U.S. don’t pay attention to unhealthy air until there are an increasing amount of days with air quality alerts. Air quality alerts, like the EPA Air Quality Index in the United States, notify the public about air quality conditions that may negatively impact the health of sensitive individuals, particularly those with heart or lung disease.
Source: National Library of Medicine
Let’s dive into some of the biggest questions around AQI and how we can protect ourselves from air pollution for years to come.
What is AQI?
AQI stands for Air Quality Index. This data source provides information about the health risks associated with breathing the air in a particular area. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designed the index as a way of reporting air quality issues directly to the public.
The AQI measures five major pollutants:
- Carbon Monoxide - CO is a colorless, odorless gas that is released when something is burned; like fuel from cars, trucks or indoor appliances like gas stoves and gas space heaters in unvented areas. Source: EPA - Carbon Monoxide
- Nitrogene Dioxide - NO2 forms from ground-level emissions related to the burning of fossil fuels from vehicles, power plants, industrial sources, and off-road equipment, such as construction vehicles. Source: AirNow - Nitrogene Dioxide
- Ground Level Ozone - is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), which forms “smog”. This happens when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, chemical plants, and other sources chemically react in the presence of sunlight. Source: EPA - Ground Level Ozone
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Particle Pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) - Also known as particulate matter, particle pollution is defined as microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.
- PM10 : inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller
- PM2.5 : fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. Source: EPA - Particulate Matter
- Sulfur Dioxide - SO2 in the atmosphere is largely sourced from the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities. SO2 and other sulfur oxides can also contribute to acid rain which can harm sensitive ecosystems. Source: EPA - Sulfur Dioxide
How is AQI calculated?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is determined by the health impacts of various pollutants. Pollutant concentrations are measured and then converted to a standardized index, the AQI. There are pollutant-specific benchmarks used for calculating the AQI, which are managed by the EPA to protect our health under the Clean Air Act. Under this act, the EPA is required to review these standards every five years.
What do the AQI color zones mean?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) simplifies complex air pollution data into a color-coded scale from 0 to 500, where higher numbers mean more pollution and greater health risks.
Here's a brief overview of the AQI categories:
- 0-50 (Green): Good. Air quality is good, with minimal to no risk from air pollution.
- 51-100 (Yellow): Moderate. The air quality is generally acceptable, but those sensitive to air pollution may experience some concerns.
- 101-150 (Orange): Sensitive groups may experience health issues when the air quality is unhealthy, while the general public is less likely to be impacted.
- 151-200 (Red): Unhealthy. When air quality is in this range, everyone can start to feel health impacts, and sensitive groups may experience more severe effects.
- 201-300 (Purple): When the air quality is in the purple range, it's a health alert: everyone is at risk of experiencing serious health effects.
- 301-500 (Maroon): Hazardous and emergency health warning.. The entire population is likely to be affected.
Do AQI levels impact allergies and asthma?
Elevated levels of air pollution can worsen allergy symptoms and lead to asthma issues. Additionally, high concentrations of certain pollutants can increase the amount of airborne allergens, such as pollen.
Tips for allergy relief during peak season:
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Reduce indoor pollen - Make sure to close all windows and use a HEPA air purifier and/or a HEPA HVAC filter to reduce allergens
1 in your home. PuroAir air purifiers include a HEPA-certified filter to ensure allergen reduction indoors
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Check the weather conditions - Increased temperatures can elevate pollution levels, and conditions like high wind can increase the pollen count in an area.
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Shower and change - After extended amounts of time outside, we recommend showering off and changing your clothes to remove all pollen that may have been picked up.
- Allergy relief options - Talk to your doctor about the best allergy-fighting options and medications for you. Whether it's seasonal or year-round allergies, there may be some added relief for you.
How does weather affect AQI?
Weather conditions significantly influence air quality, which is reflected in the AQI. For instance, warm, humid, and windy weather can elevate pollen levels by spreading it, whereas rain tends to reduce pollen by washing it away. AQI information is often featured in weather reports to keep the public informed about current air quality.
Allergy Index - Pollen levels are influenced by weather conditions. Warm, humid, and windy weather can increase pollen counts by dispersing pollen into the air. Conversely, rain can decrease pollen levels by washing it away.
Source: Allermi
What does an AQI of 100 mean?
An AQI score of 100 is in the “moderate” range, which is acceptable for most. AQI levels under 100 typically mean that the air quality is satisfactory. But if the AQI level is above 100, or in the "orange" range or above, it is unhealthy for sensitive groups of people and then everyone as the index value increases.
Per the American Lung Association, “Specifically, when particle pollution and/or ozone levels reach the “Orange” level, all children and exercising adults are at risk for health problems from ozone exposure. Schools should limit outdoor exertion for all children and exercising adults (including high school athletes). When pollution levels reach the “Red” level, all children and adults should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.”
At the time of writing this article, Phoenix has an AQI of 47, which is in the moderate (Yellow) zone.
Here are the Top 5 cities with high AQI at the time of this article. Some are due to wildfires in the their area:
- Topeka, KS: 176 AQI (Red)
- Emporia, KS: 176 AQI (Red)
- Beatrice NE: 161 AQI (Red)
- Lake Charles, LA: 124 (Orange)
- Cleveland, MS: 107 (Orange)
Source: American Lung Association
Source: AirNow
Why is my indoor air quality worse than outdoor air?
Did you know that the air inside your home can be 2-5x more polluted than the air outside? According to the EPA, poor ventilation is a big factor. When there's not enough fresh outdoor air circulating inside, pollutants from indoor sources can build up. High temperatures and humidity can make this even worse by increasing the concentration of some pollutants.
Indoor air quality can be negatively affected by everyday household items, including cleaning products, gas stoves, air fresheners, and furniture, all of which can release pollutants into the air. Other contributors to poor indoor air quality include pets, dust, mold, carpet, and wood stains.
What if the AQI in your area is typically in the green zone. Do you need an air purifier?
Even with a "Good" Air Quality Index, using an air purifier indoors is beneficial, especially for those with respiratory sensitivities or who prioritize a clean environment. Indoor air often contains pollutants like dust, pollen, and pet dander, which a PuroAir HEPA Air Purifier can effectively remove, creating a healthier indoor atmosphere.1
Source: EPA
Can an Air Purifier help with my Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Yes, most professionals recommend the use of an air purifier with a HEPA filter to minimize indoor pollen and particles. People spend a majority of their time indoors (about 90%), which means their exposure to airborne pollutants primarily occurs within their homes. PuroAir air filters clean up to 99.9% of indoor pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke and more. Learn more here: PuroAir Air Purifiers.
Does AQI change throughout the year?
Yes, the AQI will vary each day, but can be significantly different throughout the year in certain areas of normal and extreme seasonal changes.
Summer: The warm weather of summer creates ideal conditions for increased air pollution. Higher temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions that produce pollutants like ground-level ozone, and stagnant air can trap these pollutants, leading to higher concentrations and poorer air quality.
Fall: In areas with milder fall weather, like Arizona, AQI levels are typically lower than the rest of the year. But for areas like the midwest, AQI levels may increase due to activities like leaf burning, which releases particulate matter and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Winter: The increased use of heating systems during the winter months leads to higher emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, which contributes to air pollution. The burning of wood for heating during winter can elevate levels of particulate matter and carbon monoxide in the air.
Spring: Again, AQI levels are typically lower than normal in locations that have mild weather, though pollen levels will begin to rise as the temperature increases.
Conclusion
Maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial for overall health and well-being, and the Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a valuable tool for understanding and addressing air pollution concerns. As outlined, factors such as season, weather, and indoor activities can significantly impact air quality. Utilizing a HEPA air purifier, like those from PuroAir, is a highly effective way to significantly improve indoor air quality by filtering some allergens, pollutants, and odors.1 Whether the outdoor AQI is good or not, indoor air can often be more polluted. Therefore, incorporating an air purifier into your home is a proactive step towards creating a healthier living environment, especially for those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. By understanding the AQI and taking measures to enhance indoor air quality with an air purifier, you can ensure a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable home.
Discover the AQI level in your area today, and see an estimated indoor air quality report, as well.
Real Time Air Quality Index in Your Area