City of Newton, MA
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What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool developed by the US EPA to measure and report air quality. It ranges from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating higher levels of pollution and greater health risks. The AQI is categorized into different levels, each corresponding to a level of health concern. For a detailed breakdown of the index and its descriptions, click here.
What are the sources of pollution?
Outdoor Sources:
- Environmental Hazards/Events:
- Forest fires
- Mobile Sources:
- Cars, trucks, etc.
- Gas-powered machinery (e.g., lawn mower, leaf blower, snowplow)
- Stationary Sources:
- Industrial sources (e.g., power plants, gas stations, manufacturing plants)
- Residential sources (e.g., house fires, burning of materials)
What are the health risks of air pollution?
Exposure to air pollution can increase your risk for developing conditions or worsen existing conditions, including but not limited to:
- Respiratory diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma)
- Cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart attack, stroke, heart disease, coronary artery disease)
- Cancer
- Diabetes mellitus
- Neurological and immune system disorders
For more information, click here.
What can you do to lower pollution exposure?
- Monitor local air quality reports and forecasts.
- Limit outdoor activities during days with high pollution levels.
- Keep your windows closed during your commute, especially in areas of high traffic.