Regional forest fires are causing a haze in the air. To tell if it is safe to spend time outside, consult an Air Quality Index (AQI).
The AQI is a number from 0 to 500; the number increases along with the amount of air pollution. These numbers are then grouped into levels of health concern.
- “Moderate” means the air pollution may cause respiratory symptoms for people who are very sensitive.
- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” means that the general public is unlikely to be affected but people with lung or heart disease, older adults, and children could have respiratory symptoms.
- “Unhealthy” means anyone could experience respiratory symptoms and sensitive groups may have more serious effects.
- “Very Unhealthy” means everyone could experience serious health effects.
- “Hazardous” means emergency conditions and the entire population is likely to be affected.
Two AQI resources are airnow.gov and the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency which has an air quality measuring station at Turnbull Wildlife Refuge.
