AIR QUALITY INDEX
four forecast to fcwaf/ie by
9-30-03
Myths and Facts for Meteorologists
MYTH
FACT
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is only used to
forecast ozone.
The AQI is also used to forecast for
particle pollution.
Air pollution is only a concern in the
summer.
Particle pollution, unlike ozone, occurs
year-round.
Asthma is only a concern during the
summer and/ or when playing sports.
Asthma is a lung disease, and people
with asthma are susceptible to air
pollution year-round.
Air quality only affects us when we are
outside.
That's right for ozone. But when
particle levels are high outdoors, they
can also be high indoors.
There is nothing 1 can do about air
pollution, so 1 should just ignore it.
People can reduce their exposure to air
pollution by simply checking their daily
air quality forecast and using it to
adjust their strenuous outdoor
activities.
Ozone and particle pollution affect the
same groups of people.
People with heart or lung disease, older
adults, and children are particularly
sensitive to the harmful effects of
particle pollution. The sensitive groups
for ozone include people with lung
disease (but not heart disease), and
children and adults who are active
outdoors.
The health effects of ozone and particle
pollution are the same.
While both ozone and particles have
been associated with effects on the
lungs, particles have also been
associated with effects on the heart and
cardiovascular system.
1 need to pay attention only to red and
purple Air Quality Index levels.
Even when the air quality is forecast to
be code orange for ozone or particles, it
is unhealthy for people in sensitive
groups.
Only long-term exposure to particle
pollution causes health problems.
People have experienced health
problems from exposure to particles
over long periods (years) and from
periods as short as 1- to 24-hours.
Air pollution is a health concern only for
people with lung disease (including
asthma) and older adults.
Others can be affected by air pollution,
including people with heart disease,
active adults and children. And when
the air quality forecast is code red -
everyone can be affected.
drtk	United States
Environmental Protection
M % Agency

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