Using The Air Quality Index (AQI) to Plan Daily Activities
The goal of the AQI is to help people reduce their inhaled dose of an air pollutant, including PM2.5 in smoke, when concentrations are high.
Reducing any of the three factors will lower the inhaled dose of smoke. The AQI informs the public about how to reduce
- the amount (concentration) of an air pollutant they are exposed to (e.g., be active outdoors when air quality is better),
- their minute ventilation (e.g., go for a walk instead of a jog), or
- the duration of their exposure (e.g., spend less time engaged in outdoor exertion).
There are several ways to check your air quality during a smoke event. The two most helpful during a wildfire are the AQI forecast and the Fire and Smoke Map (both are found on AirNow and the AirNow app). Near large fires where Air Resource Advisors are posted, look for Smoke Outlooks, which have more detailed forecast information.
Advise your patients to:
- Check AQI forecasts: Daily AQI forecast are available on the AirNow website and the AirNow app. These forecasts predict the 24-hour average AQI for fine particle pollution(PM2.5) and can be useful planning tools. Air Resource Advisor forecasts in Smoke Outlooks (generally for larger fires) predict air quality in six-hour blocks, which can help people plan necessary activities (e.g., trips to the store) for when air quality is better.
- Pay attention to current air quality: The Fire and Smoke Map shows current air quality using the NowCast, an algorithm that calculates a current AQI value from multiple hours of past data to tell people their current air quality. Shown in the familiar AQI colors, this information tells people whether they should limit their activities and how to do so.
- Use common sense: Coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath are a sign to immediately reduce exposure to smoke. If it looks or smells smoky outside, people should try to stay indoors in cleaner air or find a cleaner air shelter. Avoid strenuous activities such as mowing the lawn or going for a run.