You check the Air Quality Index (AQI) and notice the word “Unhealthy” appears. It may sound serious, and one may wonder what it means for them and their day. Understanding what does air quality unhealthy mean will enable one to be more intelligent in making choices regarding their day and their health.
Air quality may not always be clear, and its impact may vary depending on the exposure. When the AQI reaches the “Unhealthy” category, it means the quality of the air has reached levels of pollution, which will impact all, not just those with sensitivities.
The “Unhealthy” AQI Level
The Air Quality Index measures the levels of pollution in the air, which include fine particles (PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. These combine to give one score, which indicates whether the quality of the air is good or bad for consumption.
AQI ranges are generally grouped like this:
- 0–50: Good air quality
- 51–100: Moderate
- 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- 151–200: Unhealthy
- 201–300: Very unhealthy
- 301–500: Hazardous
When the AQI exceeds 151, air quality enters the “Unhealthy” category, and pollution levels are high enough to affect even healthy individuals with mild symptoms.
Health Effects People May Notice
Polluted air can cause irritation of the lungs and breathing passages. The particles and gases can get into the lungs and decrease the efficiency of oxygen intake.
Some of the symptoms that people can experience when the quality of air is unhealthy are:
- Coughing and irritation in the throat
- Breathing difficulties during physical activities
- Burning and watery sensation in the eyes
- Headaches and fatigue
- Chest discomfort and tightness
For people with asthma, bronchitis, and heart conditions, symptoms may worsen.
How Daily Activities May Change
Unhealthy levels of air pollution can interfere with many of life’s routines. For example, activities that require heavy breathing outdoors can allow more polluted air into the lungs.
Some of the changes people can make to reduce risks and exposure to unhealthy air are:
- Physical activities shift indoors
- Limiting children’s outdoor activities
- Limiting long walks and runs
- Closing windows during peak hours
Monitoring air quality updates before engaging in physical activities outdoors
Groups That Need Extra Protection
Although unhealthy air affects everyone, some groups face stronger health impacts.
These groups include:
- Children and teenagers
- Older adults
- People with asthma or other lung diseases
- Individuals with heart conditions
- Pregnant individuals
- Outdoor workers exposed for long periods
For these individuals, extra precautions become important when air quality is unhealthy, since their bodies may react faster to pollution.
Why Air Quality Reaches Unhealthy Levels
Air pollution increases due to a combination of human activity and environmental conditions.
Common causes include:
- Heavy traffic and vehicle emissions
- Industrial pollution
- Wildfire smoke
- Dust storms or construction activity
- Weather patterns that trap pollution near the ground
Hot weather, low wind, and temperature inversions can prevent pollutants from dispersing, allowing pollution to build up over cities.
Simple Ways to Reduce Exposure
While the pollution outside cannot be controlled, the amount of polluted air breathed in can be controlled.
Precautions that can be taken include:
- Reducing the time spent outside during such AQI days
- Avoiding hard physical work outside during such days
- Using air purifiers if one has access to them at home
- Wearing masks if one has to be outside the home
- Checking AQI updates throughout the day
Making these simple changes will ensure the health of your lungs and your heart.
Final Thoughts
Air quality alerts are issued before the pollution reaches dangerous levels. Understanding what the “Unhealthy” category means will ensure that one does not panic or remain confused in such cases.
While the pollution outside may not be visually noticeable, the impact of the polluted air on one’s health and well-being can be controlled by keeping an eye on the AQI levels and making the appropriate changes during such days.
It is always helpful to know what you breathe before venturing outside, especially if you live in a highly polluted area. AQISCANR helps you do that with ease in no time. You can know the current AQI levels in your area and understand the associated health risks with it, so you can take preventive measures.