Poor Air Quality
Fires thousands of miles away can affect our air quality. Air pollutants and wildfire smoke can also affect our air quality. In Dane County, we’re mostly concerned with ozone and particulate matter.
When poor air quality is in the forecast, we share information to support people staying safe and healthy.
Be prepared for effects from poor air quality
- Have N95 masks on hand to protect you.
- Know how to check outdoor air quality where you are.
What to do when air quality is unhealthy
Check outdoor air quality where you are
After you learn your air quality index, use this table to take action:
| Air Quality Index | Who Needs to be Concerned? | What Should I Do? |
|---|---|---|
| Good (0-50) | It’s a great day to be active outside. | |
| Moderate (51-100) | Some people who may be unusually sensitive to particle pollution. | Unusually sensitive people: Consider making outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier. Everyone else: It’s a good day to be active outside. |
| Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150) | Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults (65+), babies, children, and teenagers, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and people who spend a lot of time outdoors. | Sensitive groups: Make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. It’s OK to be active outdoors, but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Consider using N95 masks if you must go outside. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider. |
| Unhealthy (151-200) | Everyone | Everyone: Reduce long or intense activities. Take more breaks during outdoor activities. Use an N95 mask if you must go outside and monitor health conditions. Sensitive groups: Avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. |
| Very Unhealthy (201-300) | Everyone | Everyone: Avoid long or intense activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. Use an N95 mask if you must go outside and monitor health conditions. Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Reschedule to a time when air quality is better or move activities indoors. |
| Hazardous (301-500) | Everyone | Everyone: Reschedule or move activities indoors. No activity outdoors. Use an N95 mask if you must go outside and monitor health conditions. Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoors. |
If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning, like a library or mall.
Some people are more sensitive to air pollution.
It’s smart for all of us to pay attention to air quality, but it’s especially important for people who may be at greater risk, including:
- People with heart disease
- People with lung disease, including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Older adults (65 years and older)
- Babies, children, and teenagers because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults
- Pregnant people
- Outdoor workers/people who spend a lot of time outdoors
How can I protect myself?
Use AQI forecasts, available on AirNow.gov to plan outdoor activities. On days when the AQI is forecast to be unhealthy, check AirNow for your current air quality and take simple steps to reduce your exposure, including:
- Choose a less intense activity.
- Shorten your outdoor activities.
- Reschedule activities.
- Exercise away from busy roads.
When particle levels are high outdoors, they can be high indoors too. Keep particles lower indoors:
- Reduce your use of fireplaces and wood stoves. Don’t use candles or smoke indoors.
- Use HEPA air filters in your HVAC system.
- Buy or make your own portable air cleaner designed to reduce particles indoors.
Should I cancel my outdoor event or modify activities?
Generally, outdoor events and activities should be rescheduled or moved indoors when air levels are at "Very Unhealthy" or worse (AQI is above 200). See the tables linked below for additional guidance:
