Code Orange Air Quality

[MissAnn]

Do you keep kids in on these days?

[snbauser]

If/when it reaches the code orange, we don't go out. But typically when they issue those alerts, it isn't in the morning so we just go out earlier.

[Unregistered]

What does this mean? I'm in a state where in summer, air quality stinks (literally) from wildfires, but haven't heard of this term.

[Michael]

Where are you located?

[midaycare]

I have no idea what this means. I'm interested to know!

[Blackcat31]

http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi

Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. The six levels of health concern and what they mean are:

• "Good" AQI is 0 - 50. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
• "Moderate" AQI is 51 - 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms.
• "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" AQI is 101 - 150. Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.
• "Unhealthy" AQI is 151 - 200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. .
• "Very Unhealthy" AQI is 201 - 300. This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.
• "Hazardous" AQI greater than 300. This would trigger a health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

[midaycare]

I have never heard of this. But then again ... I don't live in an area where I really have to worry about air quality. Thanking my lucky stars. I worry enough already!