Save your breath: What to know about air quality alerts and AQI

Air quality alerts are becoming more common, especially with the increase in pollution, wildfires and climate change. Even for the healthiest individuals, air quality alerts are a critical health warning. By understanding Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, recognizing symptoms and taking preventive action, you can reduce your risk and protect your health during poor air conditions.

What is the Air Quality Index?

The AQI was created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a simple, standardized way to report outdoor air quality conditions across the U.S.

The AQI is a variable number that is used to report air quality. It runs from 0 to 500 and the higher the number, the greater the health risk.

Weather conditions such as heat, wind, humidity and precipitation can impact AQI levels by moving pollutants through the air.

AQI color categories

AQI levels are often displayed using a color-coded system to quickly show how safe the air is:

• Green (0–50): Good
  • Air quality is considered satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.
• Yellow (51–100): Moderate
  • Air quality is acceptable. However, there is moderate concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
• Orange (101–150): Unhealthy for sensitive groups
  • People with heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant people and children are at greater risk from exposure. The general public is less likely to be affected.
• Red (151–200): Unhealthy
  • Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. Limit time outside.
• Purple (201–300): Very unhealthy
  • Health alert: The risk of adverse health effects is increased for everyone.
• Maroon (301–500): Hazardous
  • Health warning of emergency conditions: Everyone is likely to be adversely affected.

What pollutants does AQI measure?

According to Air Now, AQI measures five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act:

• Ground-level ozone
• Particle pollution
• Carbon monoxide
• Sulfur dioxide
• Nitrogen dioxide

Ground-level ozone

• Forms when certain pollutants react to sunlight
• Often worsens on hot, stagnant days
• Can be caused by burning coal, gasoline or oil, and from other natural sources

Particle pollution (fine particles)

• Comes from vehicles, wildfires, factories, some agricultural processes and dust from industrial crushing or grinding
• Can enter the lungs and bloodstream

AQI does not account for temperature and pollen levels, which can also irritate sensitive groups.

Who is most at risk during air quality alerts?

Certain groups are more vulnerable during poor air quality, including:

• People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Individuals with coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure or other heart conditions
• Older adults
• Children
• Pregnant people

Even pets can be affected by high AQI and should have minimal outdoor activity during high AQI days.

Common symptoms of poor air quality

Signs and symptoms of air pollution include:

• Cough or sore throat
• Nose irritation
• Heavy breathing or shortness of breath
• Itchy or watery eyes

Seek medical care if your symptoms persist, worsen or are not controlled by your medicines. In an emergency call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

What to do during an air quality alert

For high-risk, vulnerable individuals

If you are in a sensitive group:

• Stay indoors when possible.
• Avoid exercise or strenuous activity.
• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning.
• Use an air filter when possible.
• Keep medications up to date and follow your care plan.

For the general public

Even healthy individuals should take precautions when AQI rises above 151:

• Avoid heavy exertion outside.
• Stay indoors during the hottest times of the day.
• Avoid high-traffic areas.

Managing mild symptoms

For those without heart or lung conditions, symptoms stemming from high AQI may be eased temporarily with:

• Eye drops
• Antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin)
• Saline nasal spray
• Avoiding over-exertion
• Staying indoors

Air quality in Minnesota

Compared to other states, Minnesota’s air quality is average. The state has made progress and the general air quality has been improving over the last decade.

In recent years, Minnesota summers have seen poor air quality due to wildfire smoke from Canada, which can travel thousands of miles to surrounding regions. Climate change may make these events more frequent, so it’s important to understand how AQI affects your health where you live.

How you can help improve air quality

While individuals cannot control all sources of pollution we can take steps to reduce airborne particles.

These small changes can make a difference:

• Drive less or carpool.
• Use electric or battery-powered lawn equipment.
• Avoid burning wood or outdoor fires.
• Reduce energy usage when possible.

Taking these steps are especially important during an air quality alert.