PARTICULATE MATTER HEALTH EFFECTS & CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH AQI CATEGORIES

AQI CATEGORY

HEALTH EFFECTS & CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

Good

PM_2.5 ---- None

PM₁₀ ---- None

Moderate

PM_2.5 ---- None

PM₁₀ ---- None

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

PM_2.5 ---- Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion.

PM₁₀ ---- Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms and aggravation of lung disease, such as asthma. People with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit outdoor exertion.

Unhealthy

PM_2.5 ---- Increased aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; increased respiratory symptoms in general population. P eople with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion.

Very Unhealthy

PM_2.5 ---- Significant aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; significant increase in respiratory effects in general population. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion.

PM₁₀ ---- Significant increase in respiratory symptoms and aggravation of lung disease, such as asthma; increasing likelihood of respiratory effects in general population. People with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else, especially the elderly and children should limit outdoor exertion.

Hazardous

PM_2.5 ---- Serious aggravation of heart and lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; serious risk of respiratory effects in general population. Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors.

PM₁₀ ---- Serious risk of respiratory symptoms and aggravation of lung disease, such as asthma; respiratory effects likely in the general population. Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should remain indoors.