AirCompare provides comparisons of air quality based on specific health conditions. Air quality is measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI) which is reported in values from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern.

When AQI values are between 101 and 150 (code orange), members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. This is because they are more likely to be affected at lower air quality levels than the general public. For example, people with lung disease are at greater risk from exposure to ozone, while people with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to particle pollution. The general public is not likely to be affected when the AQI is in this range. The general public is more likely to be affected when the AQI values are above 150.

The chart below provides a summary of how different pollutants can affect health and outdoor activity when AQI values are between 101 and 150, or code orange.

Learn more about the AQI and how it affects health