Air  Quality Guide for Particle Pollution
Harmful particle pollution is one of our nation's most common air pollutants. Use the chart below to help
reduce your exposure and protect your health. For your local air quality forecast, visit www.airnow.gov
    Air Quality
       Index
I
  Good
  (0-50)


Moderate
 (51-100)
   Who Needs to Be
      Concerned?


No one. Air quality is good
for everyone.
                       Some people may be
                       unusually sensitive to
                       particle pollution and may
                       need to take precautions.
                                                           What Should I Do?
It's a great day to be active outside!
                              Unusually sensitive people: Consider reducing
                              prolonged or heavy exertion. Watch for symptoms
                              such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are
                              signs to take it a little easier.
                              Everyone else: It's a good day to be active outside!
     Unhealthy for
   Sensitive Groups
      (101-150)
                 Sensitive groups include
                 people with heart or lung
                 disease, older adults,
                 children and teenagers.
                              Sensitive groups: Reduce prolonged or heavy
                              exertion. It's OK to be active outside, but take more
                              breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for
                              symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

                              People with asthma should follow their asthma
                              action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy.

                              If you have heart disease: Symptoms such as
                              palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue
                              may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of
                              these, contact your heath care provider.
      Unhealthy
      (151-200)
                 Everyone can be affected.
                              Sensitive groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
                              Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.
                              Everyone else: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
                              Take more breaks during all outdoor activities.
    Very Unhealthy
      (201-300)
                 Everyone
                              Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
                              Move activities indoors or reschedule to a time when
                              air quality is better.
                              Everyone else: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
                              Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling to
                              a time when air quality is better.
      Hazardous
      (301-500)
                 Everyone
                              Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
                              Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity
                              levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low
                              indoors.
             United States
             Environmental Protection
             Agency

-------
  Key Facts to Know About Particle Pollution:
     Particle pollution can cause serious health problems - including asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes
     and early death.
     Particle pollution can be a problem at any time of the year, depending on where you live.
     You can reduce your exposure to pollution and still get exercise! Use daily Air Quality Index (AQI)
     forecasts at www.airnow.gov to plan your activity.
What is particle pollution?
Particle pollution comes from many different
types of sources. Fine particles (2.5 micrometers in
diameter and smaller) include power plants, industrial
processes, vehicle tailpipes, woodstoves, and wildfires.
Coarse particles (between 2.5 and 10 micrometers)
come from crushing and grinding operations, road
dust, and some agricultural operations.
Why is  particle pollution a problem?
Particle pollution is linked to a number of health
problems, including coughing, wheezing, reduced
lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks and
strokes. It also is linked to early death.
Do I need to be concerned?
While it's always smart to pay attention to air quality
where you live, some people may be at greater risk
from particle pollution. They include:
   People with cardiovascular disease (diseases of
   the heart and blood vessels)
   People with lung disease, including asthma and
   COPD
   Children and teenagers
•   Older adults
   Research indicates that obesity or diabetes may
   increase risk.
   New or expectant mothers may also want to take
   precautions to protect the health of their babies.
How can I protect myself?
Use AQI forecasts to plan outdoor activities. On
days when the AQI forecast is unhealthy, take simple
steps to reduce your exposure:
   Choose a less-strenuous activity
   Shorten your outdoor activities
   Reschedule activities
   Spend less time near busy roads
When particle levels are high outdoors, they can
be high indoors - unless the building has a good
filtration system.
Keep particles lower indoors:
   Eliminate tobacco smoke
   Reduce your use of wood stoves and fireplaces
   Use HEPA air filters and air cleaners designed to
   reduce particles
   Don't burn candles
Can I help reduce particle pollution?
Yes! Here are a few tips.
   Drive less: carpool, use public transportation, bike
   or walk
•   Choose ENERGY STAR appliances
   Set thermostats higher in summer and lower in
   winter
   Don't burn leaves, garbage, plastic or rubber
   Keep car, boat and other engines tuned
Office of Air Quality and Radiation (6301 A)
EPA-456/F-13-005
www.airnow.gov
November, 2013

-------