The quality of the air we breathe plays a significant role in our overall health. Smoke is one pollutant that can affect our air quality. Children or adults with asthma, allergies, or other chronic health issues may have trouble breathing when smoke is in the air. Poor air quality can also have health implications for people with heart disease, and for people who are exerting themselves outdoors.
Stay Informed
It is important to know the air quality where you live or where you are traveling. The EPA recommends checking the AirNow.gov website to monitor the air quality in your location. You can type in your city or zip code and find the current quality based on the air quality index (AQI) and recommendations for that level.
You can also find more information on the websites for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
Understand the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The AQI is a color-coded scale developed by the EPA to communicate air quality levels and associated health risks. The AQI provides valuable information to help you make informed decisions about your activities. It has 6 categories ranging from "Good" (green) to "Hazardous" (maroon). The higher the value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. A value of 50 or below indicates good air quality, while anything above 300 is considered hazardous. When levels exceed 150, the general population may experience symptoms.
If you are concerned about how air pollution may affect your health, talk with a healthcare provider.
| AQI Color | AQI Levels | AQI Value | Meaning |
|---|
Green | 0-50 | Good | Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. |
| Yellow | 51 to 100 | Moderate | Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. |
| Orange | 101 to 150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. |
| Red | 151 to 200 | Unhealthy | Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. |
| Purple | 201 to 300 | Very Unhealthy | Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. |
| Maroon | 301 and higher | Hazardous | Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected. |
AQI Index information from AirNow.gov
Limit Outdoor Activities During Poor Air Quality
When air quality alerts indicate poor conditions, limit exposure as much as possible. The worse the air quality, the more important it is to take breaks and do less intense activities. Some options are to move your physical activities indoors, change your activity to something less intense (for example, walking instead of jogging), or shorten the amount of time that you’re physically active outside. If you have asthma, be sure to keep your inhaler with you.
Use Air Filtration When Available
If you have access to air filtration systems, make use of them to improve the indoor air quality at your home. Keep doors, windows and fireplace dampers shut and preferably with clean air circulating through air conditioners on the recirculation setting. Additionally, during periods of poor air quality, you can consider wearing N95 or N99 respirator masks when you need to be outdoors for essential activities.
Follow Medical Advice
If you have pre-existing respiratory conditions or are particularly sensitive to poor air quality, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide specific recommendations and guidance based on your individual health needs.
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