It’s not uncommon to see air quality warnings on your local news, especially during the summertime. Whether there are wildfires causing a significant impact to air quality or it’s just the regular summertime heat and smog, these warnings can cause anxiety and worry. So, if you hear that air quality is “unhealthy for sensitive groups” in your region, you may want to know what it means for you and your family. While this problem may feel out of your control, there are things you can do to help keep your family safe.
Who is most at risk of having symptoms when pollution is in the air?
- Children (especially young children)
- People with asthma, heart or lung conditions
- Older adults (with or without other health conditions)
- People who are pregnant
Note: When air quality is at its worst, anyone can be affected.
How can I find out about the air quality?
To get air quality data where you live, you can use the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow Air Quality Index by ZIP code. It includes:
- Current forecast
- Three-day forecast
- Air pollution trends from the last week or month in your area
AirNow uses an Air Quality Index (AQI) that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. The AQI is divided into six categories. Each category has been assigned a different color code and corresponds to a different level of health concern.
For example, when the AQI is above 100, it is Code Orange and deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. When the AQI is above 151, it is a Code Red and can be unhealthy for everyone.
Should we stay inside?
If you or your child has asthma or a condition that impacts their lungs, try to stay indoors much as possible when air quality is bad. Consider sending a note to the school to have your child stay in from recess, too. Exercise is important, but heavy outdoor exercise that causes deep breathing should be avoided on days with bad air quality. This doesn’t only apply to your child but also applies to your entire family.
What else should I do if my child has asthma or other lung condition?
Make sure your child’s medicines are up-to-date and monitor your child for symptoms. Look for coughing or wheezing. If your child has an escalation plan, put it into action when it is needed.
Should we wear masks?
When the AQI is above 150, it is strongly recommended that you wear a form-fitting mask when you’re outside.
Basic cotton or fabric face coverings are largely ineffective against air pollution. Learn what masks work and don’t work when it comes to air pollution.
Some other things to know:
- Anyone over age 2 can wear a protective face mask
- Large amounts of smoke or pollution reduce how well mask filtration work, so try to use a new mask every day.
- If you can’t use a new mask every day, reusing masks can still be beneficial.
I have more questions, who should I call?
CHOP is home to our region’s Poison Control Center, which is staffed 24/7 by nurses and pharmacists. Calling the Poison Control Center is always free, and no question is too small to ask. You can reach the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also reach out to your child’s care team with more detailed questions.
If you develop a lingering cough, contact your primary care provider. If you are having trouble breathing, call 911.
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It’s not uncommon to see air quality warnings on your local news, especially during the summertime. Whether there are wildfires causing a significant impact to air quality or it’s just the regular summertime heat and smog, these warnings can cause anxiety and worry. So, if you hear that air quality is “unhealthy for sensitive groups” in your region, you may want to know what it means for you and your family. While this problem may feel out of your control, there are things you can do to help keep your family safe.
Who is most at risk of having symptoms when pollution is in the air?
- Children (especially young children)
- People with asthma, heart or lung conditions
- Older adults (with or without other health conditions)
- People who are pregnant
Note: When air quality is at its worst, anyone can be affected.
How can I find out about the air quality?
To get air quality data where you live, you can use the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow Air Quality Index by ZIP code. It includes:
- Current forecast
- Three-day forecast
- Air pollution trends from the last week or month in your area
AirNow uses an Air Quality Index (AQI) that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. The AQI is divided into six categories. Each category has been assigned a different color code and corresponds to a different level of health concern.
For example, when the AQI is above 100, it is Code Orange and deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. When the AQI is above 151, it is a Code Red and can be unhealthy for everyone.
Should we stay inside?
If you or your child has asthma or a condition that impacts their lungs, try to stay indoors much as possible when air quality is bad. Consider sending a note to the school to have your child stay in from recess, too. Exercise is important, but heavy outdoor exercise that causes deep breathing should be avoided on days with bad air quality. This doesn’t only apply to your child but also applies to your entire family.
What else should I do if my child has asthma or other lung condition?
Make sure your child’s medicines are up-to-date and monitor your child for symptoms. Look for coughing or wheezing. If your child has an escalation plan, put it into action when it is needed.
Should we wear masks?
When the AQI is above 150, it is strongly recommended that you wear a form-fitting mask when you’re outside.
Basic cotton or fabric face coverings are largely ineffective against air pollution. Learn what masks work and don’t work when it comes to air pollution.
Some other things to know:
- Anyone over age 2 can wear a protective face mask
- Large amounts of smoke or pollution reduce how well mask filtration work, so try to use a new mask every day.
- If you can’t use a new mask every day, reusing masks can still be beneficial.
I have more questions, who should I call?
CHOP is home to our region’s Poison Control Center, which is staffed 24/7 by nurses and pharmacists. Calling the Poison Control Center is always free, and no question is too small to ask. You can reach the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also reach out to your child’s care team with more detailed questions.
If you develop a lingering cough, contact your primary care provider. If you are having trouble breathing, call 911.
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