Circumstances often call us to expand our knowledge. I never thought I’d have to think about the official Air Quality Index. I remember years ago seeing Olympic athletes wearing masks, greatly concerned about the air quality in Beijing. Once, my husband and I experienced wildfire smoke when we lived in Florida. But here in PA where the air is most often clean, crisp, and clear, who would have thought we’d have days where we asked Alexa the AQI and then hide in our houses on a spring day?
AQI Quick History
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Air Quality Index or AQI system to provide information to the general public about the quality of the air in their area. The AQI takes into account five air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act. These are ground level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
This Year’s Poor Air Quality
In the northeastern US, the air quality is usually safe and clean. Weather patterns, the presence of industrial facilities, and transportation emissions can however lower the air quality, particularly in the summer. Ground level ozone tends to increase in the summer and can cause problems for people with prior respiratory issues. Lately, we’ve experienced low air quality due to wildfires in Canada.
The prevailing winds in North America generally move from west to east. The smoke and other pollutants can carry for thousands of miles, as we have seen. When low pressure systems come through, we get relief from the smoke coming our way. Record fires this summer and “stuck” weather patterns that cause us to get more smoke directed our way are leading to the more frequent low air quality that we’ve seen this year.
The smoke and ash produced by wildfires contain harmful particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other gasses that can be dangerous to breathe in. It also causes hazy skies and poor visibility. Low air quality can have serious health effects, particularly for kids, seniors, and anyone with respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.
Watching the AQI
Green Zone: 0-50 Good air quality.
Yellow Zone: 51-100 Moderate, acceptable but may pose a risk to sensitive people.
Orange Zone: 101-150 Unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Red Zone: 151-200 Unhealthy for the general public, sensitive groups may feel more negative health effects.
Purple Zone: 201-250 Very Unhealthy, health alert- increased risk for everyone
Maroon Zone: 251-300+ Hazardous, everyone is likely to be affected.
Responding to Low AQI
The minimum adequate shelter for poor air quality depends on specific needs and health status. However, some general recommendations are staying inside with windows and doors closed, using air conditioning and air filtration systems, and avoiding smoking or burning candles or incense. It may also be helpful to wear a mask designed to filter out air pollutants when venturing outside.
If the air quality becomes dangerous while you are camping, it is important to seek shelter in a safe location. This could mean returning to your vehicle or finding a building with air conditioning and air filtration. It is also important to avoid outdoor activities and heavy exertion until the air quality improves.
Final Thoughts
In summary, monitor air quality while you are enjoying the outdoors. Check the AQI before going camping, hiking, or biking. Most weather apps show the AQI. You can also go to AirNow.gov or the NOAA website.