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What is outdoor air ? Air Quality Index

There are many things in the air we The Air Quality Index tells you if the air outside is safe to breathe. For example, if the breathe that cause pollution, but index value is 25 then the air is “good” (green). “Good” means the air is fine to breathe. Read here in Dane County we are mostly the “How do I protect myself?” section to learn more. concerned with and particulate matter. The value tells Index Value us the air is... What this means for you: What is ozone? 0 - 50 Good Enjoy your normal activities. yy There are two types of ozone dependent upon the distance from the surface: Extremely sensitive* people may be affected and 51 - 100 Moderate should think about taking steps to protect their health. xx Ozone located miles above the ground protects us from the Unhealthy for Sensitive* people may be affected and 101 - 150 sun. Sensitive Groups should take steps to protect their health. xx Ozone located at ground level impacts air quality and breathing it can cause health 151 - 200 Unhealthy problems. Older adults and other sensitive groups yy Ground level ozone is created when 201 - 300 Very Unhealthy should definitely take steps to protect their health. exhaust from cars and industry Others may also be affected. mix with other chemicals in the air under sunny and warm conditions, 301 - 500 Hazardous mostly during the summer.

What is particulate matter? Potential Health Effects yy Particulate matter consists of Breathing in ozone or particulate matter can cause throat irritation, shortness of breath, tiny pieces of dust, dirt and other coughing, wheezing, chest pain, attacks and the worsening of other health materials suspended in the air we conditions. However, you may not always have noticeable symptoms! breathe. * Who is “sensitive”? yy Breathing particulate matter can be Some people are more sensitive than others but older adults, children and many others bad for your heart and lungs. with certain health conditions can be considered “sensitive.” People with the conditions yy When there is a lot of it, it can listed below should be cautious when air quality is poor, even if they do not have make the air look dirty, hazy, or symptoms. brown. yy Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) yy A previous heart attack yy Emphysema yy A previous stroke yy Asthma yy Any other conditions affecting the yy Heart Disease lungs or heart. ??? The websites listed on the back panel have more detailed information. How do I protect myself? For More Air Quality Information Outdoor Air #1 -- Be Informed: yy Wisconsin Department of Natural Quality & yy Check the air quality index in the (DNR) section of the Wisconsin 1-866-324-5924 State Journal. Your Health: www.dnr.wi.gov/topic/airquality yy Check the air quality index online Call or go online for the daily air and sign up and visit the DNR or quality index and to sign up to EPA websites to get e-mails or text Advice on Avoiding receive alerts. message alerts. Health Problems yy You can download apps to your yy from smart phone that will let you track Agency (EPA) air quality. These apps can be www.airnow.gov found at the EPA or American Lung Go online for the daily air quality Association websites. index, sign up to receive air quality alerts, or to download a #2 -- When the air quality is poor, smart phone app. In the “Quick Take Action: Links” section at the bottom of the webpage, click on what you can do yy If the air quality index is orange: to learn more about helping keep the air clean. xx Reduce physical exertion during your outdoor activities. yy American Lung Association xx Reduce the amount of time you 1-800-586-4872 spend outside. www.lung.org/healthy-air yy If the air quality index is red Call to learn about lung health, or or worse: avoid all prolonged or go online to read general air quality heavy exertion. info or download a smart phone yy If you use an app. inhaler, keep it with you. yy When air quality is poor because of ozone, exercise indoors 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Rm. 507 instead of Madison, WI 53703-3346 outside. Phone (608) 266-4821 03/25/2016-OutdoorAirQuality.indd www.publichealthmdc.com