Washington Air Quality Advisory

The Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA) is an index for reporting air quality. We created the WAQA information tool to advise you about air quality levels. When there is too much fine particle pollution in the air, your health could be at risk.

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What WAQA is used for

Ecology developed WAQA to provide accurate information about the health risks of fine particle pollution (PM_2.5). Scientific studies show that levels of PM_2.5 in the air previously thought to be safe can cause illness and death. In fact, scientists have not been able to identify a safe level of PM_2.5 pollution.

WAQA tells us if the air is polluted. It also explains the possible health effects associated with varying levels of pollution. WAQA focuses on health effects you may experience from breathing polluted air and suggests ways to protect yourself from air pollution.

WAQA measures these air pollutants:

Air quality monitoring mobile app

Our quality monitoring data is also available in a free, mobile-friendly application:

Apple iOS: Air Quality WA - iOS

Google Android: Air Quality WA - Android

WAQA vs. AQI

The Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA) is similar to EPA's national information tool, the Air Quality Index (AQI). Both use color-coded categories to show when air quality ranges from good to hazardous. The difference is that WAQA is based on lower levels of fine particle pollution than the federal AQI. This allows us to alert you earlier to protect your health.

Smoke and dust are some examples of fine particles. Studies show that levels of particles in the air that we previously thought were safe can cause illness and death.

Comparison of the WAQA and AQI health-risk levels

Color – Category	Index Value	WAQA	AQI
		Concentration of fine particles (PM_2.5) (µg/m³)
Green – Good	0–50	0–12.0	0–12.0
Yellow – Moderate	51–100	12.1–20.4	12.1–35.4
Orange – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	101–150	20.5–35.4	35.5–55.4
Red – Unhealthy	151–200	35.5–80.4	55.5–150.4
Purple – Very Unhealthy	201–300	80.5–150.4	150.5–250.4
Dark red – Hazardous	301–500	more than 150.4	250.5–500

Go to the Washington Air Quality Monitoring Network map for the full interactive version. Colors on the map refer to the levels of air pollution and related health warnings.

Color	Meaning – Precautions To Take
Green	Good – Air pollution is low, so there is little health risk. No precautions necessary.
Yellow	Moderate – Limit outdoor activities if you have asthma, respiratory infection, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or have had a stroke. Or do activities that take less effort, like walking instead of running.
Orange	Unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG) – Sensitive groups include people with asthma, respiratory infection, diabetes, lung or heart disease, those who have had a stroke, infants, children, those older than 65, and pregnant women. These people should limit time spent outdoors.
Red	Unhealthy – Everyone should limit time spent outdoors. Avoid exercising outdoors (including sports teams) and choose non-strenuous indoor activities. These people should stay indoors: Anyone with asthma, respiratory infection, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or those who have had a stroke, infants, children, those older than 65, and pregnant women.
Purple	Very unhealthy – Everyone should stay indoors, do only light activities, and keep windows closed if it is not too hot. Run air conditioners on re-circulate and close the outside air intake. Use indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters, if available. If you must be outdoors, wear an N-95 respirator mask. People with chronic diseases should check with their doctor before wearing a mask.
Dark red	Hazardous – Everyone should stay indoors, do only light activities, and keep windows closed if it is not too hot. Run air conditioners on re-circulate and close the outside air intake. Use indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters, if available. If you must be outdoors, wear an N-95 respirator mask. People with chronic diseases should check with their doctor before wearing a mask.

Printable version
Printable poster

Contact information

Matt Kadlec
Toxicologist
matt.kadlec@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6817

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