Why should children learn about air quality?
Children are among the group of people who most often feel the
impact of air pollution. Their bodies are still growing and they
often play outside where the pollution levels can be high. This
Clean Air Web site explains the Air Quality Index (AQI) to children
at the kindergarten through first grade level. By using AQI colors,
this Web site shows how your child can moderate their activity to
safely play outside when air pollution levels are elevated. Enjoy
this Web site with your child. Then play the games together to reinforce
to air quality messages.
When your child is older, please move on to the AQI Kids page,
which is intended for children between the ages of 7-10. Read the
information together and then play the chameleon games.
What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It
indicates how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated
health concerns you should be aware of. The AQI focuses on
health effects that can happen within a few hours or days
after breathing polluted air. EPA has assigned a specific
color to each AQI category to make it easier for people to
understand quickly the significance of air pollution levels
in their communities. For example, the color orange means
that conditions are "unhealthy for sensitive groups";
the color red means that conditions may be "unhealthy"
for everyone, and so on.
AQI Numbers |
Colors |
Levels of health concern |
0 to 50 |
Green |
Good |
51 to 100 |
Yellow |
Moderate |
101 to 150 |
Orange |
Unhealthy for sensitive groups |
151 to 200 |
Red |
Unhealthy |
201 to 300 |
Purple |
Very unhealthy |
301 to 500 |
Maroon (usually not shown) |
Hazardous |
How can I find the air quality in my community?
State and local air quality forecasts and real-time ozone maps
are available from AIRNow - Where I Live.
Many newspapers and TV news reports refer to the AQI, especially
during periods when it is advisable to take precautions due to high
air pollution levels.
How can I learn more about the AQI?
Please read Air Quality Index
- A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health for an explanation
of the AQI, air quality and the health effects of air pollution.
Air Quality Links
Other Kids Sites from the EPA
Other Kids Sites
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