The Air Quality Index, or AQI, measures how clean or polluted the air is. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses a color-coded scale ranging from green, or “good”to maroon, or “hazardous.”
Children can be especially sensitive to air pollution because their lungs are still developing.Poor air quality can trigger asthma symptoms and make it harder to breathe during outdoor activities.For most school days, green and yellow AQI levels generally mean outdoor activities can continue. However, schools may need to take additional precautions for students who are sensitive to air pollution when orange AQI levels are reached.
When air quality reaches red or higher, schools may need to reduce outdooractivities,move themindoors,or take other precautions to limit students’ exposure to airpollution.Schools should also monitor students for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Understanding AQI:
- 0-50: Good (Green)
- 51-100: Moderate (Yellow)
- 101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups (Orange)
- 151-200: Unhealthy (Red)
- 201-300: Very unhealthy (Purple)
- 301and higher: Hazardous (Maroon)
In South Carolina, air quality can be affected by summerozone, wildfire smoke, andextremeheat.Conditions can change throughout the day, making it important for schools,families and others planning outdoor activities to check the latest AQI.
After all, dodgeball is hard enough without the air joining the game. Stay updated on changing conditions online at South Carolina ETV and Public Radio.