Air Quality & Your Health
Air pollution affects different people in different ways. Understanding your personal risk helps you make smarter decisions about when to go outside, exercise, and how to protect yourself and your family.
0–50
Good
51–100
Moderate
101–150
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
151–200
Unhealthy
201–300
Very Unhealthy
301+
Hazardous
Guidance by Health Condition
Personalised risk thresholds and daily tips for each health group.
🫁
Asthma
SAFE BELOW
AQI 50
CAUTION ABOVE
AQI 100
- ✓ Check AQI before any outdoor activity
- ✓ Keep rescue inhaler accessible at all times
- ✓ On moderate days, take breaks and avoid strenuous exercise
- ✓ Close windows and run HEPA purifier when AQI exceeds 100
- ✓ Avoid outdoor exercise during rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM)
❤️
Heart Disease
SAFE BELOW
AQI 50
CAUTION ABOVE
AQI 100
- ✓ PM2.5 is the most dangerous pollutant for cardiovascular health
- ✓ Even moderate AQI can trigger symptoms in severe cases
- ✓ Avoid outdoor exercise when AQI is above 100
- ✓ Report any unusual chest tightness or shortness of breath immediately
- ✓ Consider an air purifier in the bedroom
🤰
Pregnancy
SAFE BELOW
AQI 50
CAUTION ABOVE
AQI 100
- ✓ Air pollution is linked to low birth weight and preterm birth
- ✓ Limit time outdoors when AQI exceeds 100
- ✓ Avoid high-traffic areas and exercise near busy roads
- ✓ Indoor air quality matters — avoid candles, incense, and strong cleaners
- ✓ Discuss personal thresholds with your OB-GYN
👶
Children
SAFE BELOW
AQI 100
CAUTION ABOVE
AQI 150
- ✓ Children breathe more air per body weight than adults — effects are amplified
- ✓ Limit recess and outdoor sports when AQI exceeds 100
- ✓ Younger children (under 5) are most vulnerable
- ✓ Watch for unusual coughing, wheezing, or fatigue after outdoor time
- ✓ Schools should follow EPA's Air Quality Flag Program
👴
Elderly (65+)
SAFE BELOW
AQI 50
CAUTION ABOVE
AQI 100
- ✓ Older adults are more vulnerable due to reduced lung capacity
- ✓ Both PM2.5 and ozone pose significant risk
- ✓ Avoid outdoor walks when AQI exceeds 100
- ✓ Stay well hydrated — it helps your body process pollutants
- ✓ Indoor exercise (yoga, walking indoors) is a good alternative on bad air days
🫀
COPD
SAFE BELOW
AQI 50
CAUTION ABOVE
AQI 50
- ✓ COPD patients are among the most sensitive to air pollution
- ✓ Even 'Good' AQI days can trigger symptoms in severe COPD
- ✓ Keep bronchodilators on hand at all times
- ✓ Have an action plan with your doctor for high-AQI days
- ✓ Air purifiers with HEPA + activated carbon filters are highly recommended
How to Protect Yourself
Practical steps that make a real difference on high-pollution days.
😷
Wear an N95 mask
Standard surgical masks don't filter PM2.5. Only N95 or KN95 masks provide meaningful protection outdoors on unhealthy air days.
🏠
Stay indoors
Indoor air is typically 2–5x cleaner than outdoor air. Close windows and doors when AQI is above 150.
🌀
Run a HEPA air purifier
A HEPA purifier can reduce indoor PM2.5 by up to 85%. Size it for your room — look for a CADR rating that's at least 2/3 your room's square footage.
🚗
Use car air recirculation
Recirculate cabin air in your car rather than pulling in outside air on high-pollution days. This reduces in-car PM2.5 by ~75%.
🏃
Time your exercise
If you exercise outdoors, go early morning (5–9 AM) when ozone is lowest. Avoid afternoons and evening rush hours.
🪟
Know your indoor sources
Cooking, candles, and cleaning products all generate indoor pollutants. Ventilate when cooking and choose low-VOC products.
Check the air in your city
Get a real-time AQI reading and personalised health advice for your location.