Much of the US Northeast was blanketed in smoke and haze this week as the region feels the effects of the fires over the border with Canada.
Using a color-coded scale, the Air Quality Index reflects the concentration of major air pollutants—including particulate matter found in wildfire smoke—at locations in the United States, as well as the health risk to people in the region.
A red “unhealthy” value indicates that some people may experience health effects, while members of more sensitive groups may be more susceptible to serious health effects. A purple value of “very unhealthy” indicates an increased risk for everyone, while a maroon value of “dangerous” represents emergency conditions.
Numerically, a score from zero to 50 reflects green or “good” air quality. As of 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, the New York City reporting area had a reading of 392, indicating hazardous particulate pollution.
Recent index readings suggest that many Americans should at least consider limiting their outdoor activities, and that some should stop altogether. New York Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday recommended All New Yorkers are “restricting outdoor activities as much as possible” and point out that schools would not be holding outdoor programs on Wednesday. Officials in Philadelphia have urged precautions, including the use of high-quality masks. Also schools in Washington, DC canceled outdoor activities.
According to the bipartisan data center USAFactsOver the past 40 years, air quality in the US has improved – from an average AQI score of 60 in 1980 to 40 in 2021 – although of course it can vary widely by state.
Daily air quality is subject to a variety of influences – including fires hundreds of kilometers away.
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