Wildfire Smoke Turns Unhealthy Above AQI 100 as CDC Flags Hazard at 301-500
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 16
Wildfire Smoke Turns Unhealthy Above AQI 100 as CDC Flags Hazard at 301-500
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 16
Summary
AQI above 100 can make outdoor air unsafe for higher-risk people, with the CDC saying health effects can appear at 151-200 and become hazardous at 301-500.
Wildfire smoke can worsen asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, while people with heart disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease also face elevated risk.
Children and pregnant women are among groups the CDC says may be more vulnerable, though smoke can also trigger coughing, wheezing, headaches, chest pain and fatigue in anyone.
AirNow.gov, Fire.AirNow.gov and New York Times air-quality maps can help people decide when to limit time outdoors as wildfire smoke spreads beyond active blazes.