If there’s water in your tank, it can cause some serious damage. The AQI levels of health concern correlate with pollutant-specific health and cautionary statements that suggest simple measures people can take to reduce their exposure to air pollution (Figure 9). For example, when the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, or Code Orange, air quality is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” In this range, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, people with diabetes, and people of lower SES are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. For most adults, activities that involve moderate physical exertion (i.e., minute ventilation rates ranging from 25 to 45 liters per minute) include climbing stairs, playing tennis or baseball, simple garden or construction work, and light jogging, cycling, or hiking. Because fitness levels vary widely among individuals, what is moderate exertion for one person may be heavy exertion for another.

While EPA cannot identify these people, studies indicate that there are people who experience health effects when air quality is in the moderate range. People in many areas can also sign up to receive e-mail or text notifications about air quality through a free service called EnviroFlash, which is provided by state or local environmental agencies in conjunction with EPA. An AQI value of 100 generally corresponds to the level of the short-term National Ambient Air Quality StandardNational Ambient Air Quality Standard The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment.The EPA has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six criteria pollutants: sulfur dioxide (S02), particulates (PM2.5/PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and lead (Pb). The AQI tells the public how clean or polluted the air is and how to avoid health effects associated with poor air quality.

In many areas, the local media-newspapers, television, and radio-provide air quality reports telling the public when pollution levels are predicted to be unhealthy. These reports generally appear with the weather forecast. Some national media, such as USA Today, The Weather Channel, and CNN, also provide daily air quality reports. Where can I find daily air quality reports? More information about EnviroFlash can be found at the AirNow Website. Air quality forecasts and real-time air quality information can be found on EPA’s AirNow Website. The role of surroundings in aging is significant, as the environment can greatly influence the aging process. Using a process he called “aquaculture,” he touted the benefits of soil-less gardening by growing massive tomatoes in his home via water and nutrient solutions. The main nutrient is carbon dioxide, which can come from the air or other source. If you don’t stay hydrated, your physical performance can suffer. Stay aware, use proper hand signals when turning, and don’t be afraid to let drivers know you’re there by ringing your bike’s bell. An AirNow App provides real-time air quality information that you can use to protect your health while planning your day.

The message includes the same air quality information that the local radio or television stations provide, plus suggested safety measures when levels are unhealthy. A list of such recommendations is provided in the next section (What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)? – (Figure 9.) of this course. What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)? The AQI is a nationally uniform color-coded index for reporting and forecasting daily air quality. What can I advise my patients to do when the air quality is unhealthy? Solid waste pollution is unsightly and damaging to the health of aquatic ecosystems and can harm wildlife directly. The levels of health concern listed below are general guidelines to be used as a reference so that people can figure out their own sensitivity to air pollution. Moderate: Air quality is acceptable; however, there may be some health concern for a small number of unusually sensitive people.