How to Check the Air Quality Near You

Whether you’re concerned about wildfire smoke from Canada or other pollutants that make the air less breathable, it’s a healthy habit to always check the air quality index on your phone. Yes, it’s one more thing to do as you’re grabbing your keys and rushing out the door, but the knowledge can help you decide whether those quick errands can wait until everything clears up a bit.

It’s scary to look out your window and see an otherworldly orange haze, but the particles you can’t see can negatively impact your health as well. Here’s some crucial information about what the air quality index actually is, how to see the levels near you, and a few tips for taking care of yourself when the outdoor air contains high levels of pollutants.

What Is the Air Quality Index?

The AQI is a scale from the Environmental Protection Agency that ranges from 0 to 500 based on the level of air pollution in a city. The core pollutants tracked by the AQI are sulfur dioxide, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particle pollution. For wildfire smoke, it’s especially…