The Air Quality Index (AQI) is something you normally don’t think about but due to the recent uptick in the wildfires on the west coast, and the inevitable changes in global warming, it is unfortunately now a norm for most of us, especially those living on the west coast.
| AQI | Level |
|---|---|
| 0 - 50 | Good |
| 51 -100 | Moderate |
| 101-150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| 151-200 | Unhealthy |
| 201-300 | Very Unhealthy |
| 300+ | Hazardous |
I’ve gathered a list of websites, and apps, that I have found as good resources. Please feel free to share others below in the comments.
Air Quality Index - AQI
- AirNow.gov - By the EPA, U.S. Air Quality Index, iPhone app
- IQAir - plus apps for iPhone and Android, local cams
- World Air Quality Index Project
- PurpleAir - map using local readers, updated regularly
- OregonAir - iPhone app for Oregon Air, updated 15-20 minutes past the hour
- WeatherBug - data seems outdated, but good for cams
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality - Oregon Air Quality Monitoring Data
- The Weather Channel - data seems outdated or inaccurate
Wildfires
- ArcGIS world - map of the fires
- ArcGIS Northwest - Northwest Large Fire Interactive Web Map
- Oregon Wildfire evacuation zones
The overall AQI score includes a lot different pollutants. Each of these items can and do have their own individual score. So when you look at an average AQI score, it is helpful to know what you are reading exactly.
- PM 2.5 - tiny particulate matter (PM) smaller than 2.5 micrometers
- PM 10 - small particulate matter (PM) that is <= 10 micrometers
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Nitric oxide
- Sulphur dioxide
- Lead
- Ozone
Things you can do to stay safe during wildfires
- Don’t go outside
- If you do wear a mask and goggles
- Close and seal all your windows and doors
- Close and seal all fresh air vents
- Run a fan indoors
- Run an air purifier indoors if you can
- Avoid physical activity
- Pack essential items in case of a need to evacuate
Stay safe
😷