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
     Moderate
      (51-100)
    Unhealthy for
  Sensitive Groups
     (101-150)
    Who Needs to
    be Concerned?
            What Should I Do?
                                   It's a great day to be active outside.
Some people who may be
unusually sensitive to particle
pollution.
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 easier.
Everyone else: It's a good day to be active outside.
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
Sensitive groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.
Everyone else: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Take more breaks during 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.

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  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 sources.
Fine particles (2.5 micrometers in diameter and
smaller) come from 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
            United States
            Environmental Protection
            Agency
Office of Air Quality and Radiation (6301 A)
EPA-456/F-15-005
www.airnow.gov
August 2015

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