air quality INDEX

air quality INDEX

Explanation

Air quality control reports include the index values, which run from zero to 500, and the higher the number, the greater the health concern.

0-50: Good. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

51-100: Moderate. Air quality is acceptable, but those sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms.

101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups. People with lung disease, children and the elderly may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.

151-200: Unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects.

201-300: Very Unhealthy. This triggers a health alert, meaning everyone may experience more serious health effects.

Over 300: Hazardous. This is considered an emergency condition, and the entire population is likely to be affected.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency’s Web site