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Air Quality and Your Health

Exposure to unhealthy air or air pollution can affect your health. Air pollution is a mixture of gases and particles in our air that cause harm to our health and the environment. Air pollution comes from human sources, such as factories, vehicles and construction, and natural sources, such as wildfires.

Health Impacts

Short-term:

  • Eye, nose and throat irritation
  • Wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Asthma attacks

Long-term:

  • Respiratory disease, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Neurological and cognitive effects
  • Prenatal and early-life effects

The occurrence of health impacts depends on the air pollutants to which you are exposed, the amount of exposure and how long the exposure lasts. Age, health status and other factors also affect how air pollution exposure may impact health.

Sensitive Groups

Certain people are at higher risk for health problems related to air pollution. Sensitive groups include:

  • Adults over age 65
  • Infants and young children
  • People with lung diseases, including asthma, COPD and chronic bronchitis
  • People with heart disease
  • People who are pregnant
  • People who live, work or play near sources of air pollution

Early Childhood Health Impacts

Air pollution impacts the health of young children because their organs and immune systems are still developing and they breathe more rapidly relative to their body size.

  • Early Childhood Air Pollution – DC Health – 2026 [PDF]

Outdoor Air Quality

Outdoor Air Pollutants

The federal Clean Air Act (CAA) established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common air pollutants known as criteria air pollutants. The six criteria air pollutants are ground-level ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and lead (Pb). The CAA regulates these pollutants to protect public health and the environment.

Tracking Outdoor Air Quality

To reduce your exposure to unhealthy air or air pollution, consider checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) before going outside. The AQI is a color-coded scale that represents the daily level of air pollution. For hyper-local air quality information, view PurpleAir monitors near you. 

Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics for Ozone and Particle Pollution

Daily AQI Color Levels of Concern Values of Index Description of Air Quality Recommended Activity Levels
Green Good 0–50 Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. It is a great day to be active outside.
Yellow Moderate 51–100 Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are sensitive to air pollution. Sensitive Groups: Consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outside.

General Public: It is a good day to be active outside.
Orange Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101–150 Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. Sensitive Groups: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outside.

General Public: Consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outside.
Red Unhealthy 151–200 Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Some members of the general public may experience health effects. Sensitive Groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outside. Move activities indoors or reschedule.

General Public: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outside.
Purple Very Unhealthy 201–300 Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Sensitive Groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Move activities indoors or reschedule.

General Public: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outside. Move activities indoors or reschedule.
Maroon Hazardous 301 and higher Health warning of emergency conditions: Everyone is more likely to be affected. Sensitive Groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low.

General Public: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Move activities indoors or reschedule.

Please talk to a healthcare provider about any health concerns.

Improving Outdoor Air Quality

  • Limit driving. Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation.
  • Avoid vehicle idling.
  • Use electric lawn and garden tools instead of gas-powered tools.
  • Use less energy by lowering your thermostat and turning off unused lights and appliances.
  • Reduce waste through recycling.

What Should I Do if Outdoor Air Quality Is Unhealthy?

  • Limit your time outdoors. Encourage children to play inside.
  • When you must spend time outside, consider wearing an N95 or KN95 mask, especially if you are part of a sensitive group. Cloth, dust or surgical masks will not prevent the inhalation of particles.
  • Keep windows and doors closed. Use the recirculate setting on your air conditioner or heating system.
  • Clean or filter indoor air with a portable HEPA air filter.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor air pollutants often originate inside buildings, but outdoor air pollutants can also contribute to indoor air quality. Examples of indoor air pollution include combustion sources, such as tobacco and fireplaces; cleaning supplies, paints and insecticides; building materials, such as asbestos; and natural sources, such as radon, mold and pet dander.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

  • Clean or filter the air with a HEPA air filter.
  • Open doors and windows on days with good outdoor air quality.
    • If you live near an outdoor pollution source, such as a factory or highway, avoid opening windows and doors and use a HEPA filter instead.
  • If you have a gas stove, ensure that it is well ventilated by turning on the exhaust fan or opening a window.
  • When cleaning or dusting, use a static-cling duster or a slightly dampened cloth.
  • Choose cleaning supplies listed on the EPA Safer Choice website.
  • Keep your home smoke free. Avoid smoking or burning materials inside your home, including in fireplaces, woodstoves and candles.
  • Test for lead paint.
  • Test for radon.

Additional Resources

Attachment(s): 
PDF icon Criteria Air Pollutants & Your Health
PDF icon Early Childhood Air Pollution

More Resources