Residents across parts of Indianapolis, Indiana, faced potentially unhealthy levels of air pollution early Friday, a live map from AirNow, a partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and other agencies showed.
Experts warn that poor air quality poses increased health risks for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions.
EPA mapping showed levels of fine particle (PM2.5) pollution in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category encompassing roughly the western half of the city as of around 3:17 a.m. ET Friday.
At this level, the EPA advises sensitive groups to take more breaks and do less intense activities when outside. Prolonged and heavy exertion should also be reduced, the agency says.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures air pollution on a scale from 0 to 301 and above:
- 0—50 (Green): Good—Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- 51—100 (Yellow): Moderate—Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- 101—150 (Orange): Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups—Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
- 151—200 (Red): Unhealthy—Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
- 201—300 (Purple): Very Unhealthy—Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
- 301 and higher (Maroon): Hazardous—Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.
More to follow.
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