Use this air quality tool to stay safe from harmful air pollution

Did you know in the United States, poor air quality is responsible for more than 100,000 premature deaths yearly?

Pollutants such as ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and others can trigger various health problems such as lung irritation and inflammation, asthma attacks, and reduced pulmonary function.

While government institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency have taken significant steps to reduce toxic air pollutants, outside air quality can still occasionally drop to hazardous levels. At Weather & Radar USA, we think it's vital for people to stay informed about this topic, so our app comes equipped with an Air Quality Index.

The AQI is measured from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. For example, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality.

The AQI is divided into six categories:

Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. For example, if the AQI is less than 51, no health impacts are expected, and the air quality is considered good. An AQI between 51 and 100 is satisfactory for most individuals but could affect certain sensitive groups.

When AQI values are at or above 101, the air outside is possibly unhealthy and could adversely affect sensitive groups. Anything over 200 is considered harmful for most individuals, and everyone should limit outdoor exposure. The highest category of AQI is hazardous to almost all individuals, and it's recommended to stay indoors until conditions improve.

Several factors contribute to air pollution, varying by region and season. Natural sources include forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and wind storms. Anthropogenic sources are primarily traffic, combustion processes for heating and cooking, agriculture, and, to a lesser extent, fireworks.

The weather also significantly influences air quality. For instance, weather patterns with weak winds can cause a build-up of pollutants, while active patterns with stronger winds can improve air quality. However, in some cases, strong winds can whip up substances like Saharan dust, affecting far-reaching areas and leading to phenomena like "blood rain." Understanding these factors is crucial for predicting and managing air quality effectively.