|
Air Pollution Category
|
Meaning
|
Precautions to Take
|
As symbolized by the color: |
| Good |
Air pollution is minimal and there is little health risk. |
None. |
Green |
|
Moderate
|
People with:
- Asthma.
- Respiratory infections.
- Diabetes.
- Heart or lung disease.
- Those who have had a stroke.
These people may begin to have breathing problems.
|
People with:
- Asthma.
- Respiratory infections.
- Diabetes.
- Heart or lung disease.
- Those who have had a stroke.
These people should limit outdoor activities or do activities that take less effort, such as walking instead of running.
|
Yellow |
| Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
More people than average may have breathing problems or have worsened symptoms of existing asthma or lung disease. |
Sensitive groups include:
- People with heart or lung disease.
- Asthma.
- Diabetes.
- Infants and children.
- Adults older than 65.
- Pregnant women.
- Those who have had a stroke.
These people should limit time spent outdoors.
|
Orange |
Unhealthy
|
Many more people than average may have breathing problems or have worsened symptoms of existing lung or heart disease. |
Everyone, especially sensitive groups, should:
- Limit time spent outdoors.
- Avoid exercising outdoors (including sports teams).
- Choose non-strenuous indoor activities.
|
Red |
| Very Unhealthy |
Some healthy people may have breathing problems.
People with asthma, lung and heart disease have an increased risk of symptoms or worsening of their disease.
Studies show that hospitalizations increase by 50 percent for people with lung diseases.
|
Everyone should:
- Stay indoors. Do only light indoor activities. Keep windows closed if it is not too hot.
- Run air conditioners on re-circulate. Close the outside air intake.
- Use indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters, if available.
- Wear an N-95 respirator mask, if you must be outdoors. People with chronic diseases should check with their health care provider before wearing a mask.
People with asthma, lung and heart disease, or who have had a stroke should check with their health care provider for advice about leaving the area.
Anyone with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, or difficulty moving or speaking should call their health care provider or call 911.
|
Purple |
| Hazardous |
More healthy people are likely to have breathing problems.
The people most susceptible are:
- People with heart or lung disease.
- Asthma.
- Diabetes.
- Infants and children.
- Adults older than 65.
- Pregnant women.
- Those who have had a stroke.
Studies suggest more people with asthma, lung or heart disease need medical attention.
|
Everyone should:
- Stay indoors. Do only light activities. Keep windows closed if it is not too hot.
- Run air conditioners on re-circulate. Close the outside air intake.
- Use indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters, if available.
- Wear an N-95 respirator mask, if you must be outdoors. People with chronic diseases should check with their health care provider before wearing a mask.
Check with your local health department for health information.
People with asthma, heart or lung disease, or have had a stroke should check with their health care provider for advice about leaving the area.
Anyone with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, or difficulty moving or speaking should call their health care provider or call 911.
|
Dark red |