Decoding the Air Quality Index (AQI)

Hey there, curious minds! Have you heard of the Air Quality Index (AQI)? It's like a weather forecast but for the air we breathe. This nifty index tells us how clean or polluted our air is and what that means for our health.

What's the AQI?
The AQI measures the quality of the air using numbers and colors. It ranges from 0 to 500: the lower the number, the cleaner the air, and vice versa. Picture it like a traffic light: green means good air quality, while red signals unhealthy air.

What Does the AQI Tell Us?
The AQI focuses on specific pollutants like ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Each pollutant gets a rating, and the overall AQI reflects the highest of these ratings. It tells us if the air might affect our health and how.


Interpreting the AQI Levels

• 0-50 (Green): Good air quality! Breathe easy, folks.
• 51-100 (Yellow to Orange): Moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups like kids or the elderly.
• 101-150 (Red): Unhealthy! Time to take it easy, especially if you're sensitive.
• 151-200 (Purple): Very unhealthy. Stay indoors if possible!
• 201-300 (Maroon): Hazardous! Avoid outdoor activities.

How Can We Use the AQI?
Keeping an eye on the AQI helps us plan our day. If the AQI is high, maybe consider indoor activities or using masks if heading outside. It also guides us in making choices for a healthier lifestyle and encourages actions to improve air quality.


Remember, understanding the AQI isn’t just about numbers; it's about taking care of ourselves and our planet. When we know the air quality, we can make informed choices for a breath of fresh air!

The Kiddie Science Lab is currently an air quality monitoring site. Find out how the local air is doing HERE.