- Air Quality Index (AQI): The AQI is divided into six levels ranging from green (safe) to maroon (hazardous). Sensitive groups, such as those with asthma or COPD, should be especially cautious. Monitoring symptoms and paying attention to the AQI can help determine when proactive action is needed.
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Precautions for Outdoor Activities: When the AQI reaches the orange range, sensitive individuals should reduce heavy exertion outside, while the general population should take precautions once it enters the red range. Cutting down on outdoor time, reducing exertion, and wearing appropriate masks can help minimize exposure to pollutants.
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Indoor Protection and Community Actions: Staying indoors with air conditioning and using HEPA air filters can help filter out pollutants. Avoiding unnecessary exposure to indoor pollution sources, such as idling cars in garages or using certain products, is crucial. Addressing the root causes of pollution, implementing changes in transportation, industries, energy systems, and adopting available technologies can significantly improve air quality.
Supplemental Information ℹ️
Please note that the following section contains additional information and insights that are not part of the original text.
It is essential to prioritize addressing the sources of pollution and taking collective action to improve air quality. While progress has been made in reducing major industrial sources of smog, there is still a need for continuous efforts to tackle air pollution and its impact on public health. Monitoring tools like the EPA AirNow website and app, as well as resources like the CDC’s guidance on wildfire smoke protection, can provide valuable information for individuals and communities.
ELI45 💁
The air we breathe can have varying levels of pollution that affect our health. The Air Quality Index (AQI) helps us understand the air quality, with different levels indicating different precautions. Sensitive groups, like those with asthma, need to be extra careful. When the air quality worsens, we should reduce outdoor activities and consider wearing masks. Indoors, air conditioning and air filters can help. Taking collective action to address pollution sources is vital for cleaner air.
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