Air Quality

The AQI (Air Quality Index) is the Environmental Protection Agency’s index for reporting air quality. The AQI has a range of 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. For example, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality.

The AQI is divided into six categories. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. Each category also has a specific color. The color makes it easy for people to quickly determine whether air quality is reaching unhealthy levels in their community.

(click image to enhance)

There are two major types of pollutants that affect the AQI.

Ground Level Ozone Pollution: Ozone, also known as smog, can irritate your respiratory system, causing coughing, irritation in your throat or a burning sensation in your airways. It can reduce lung function, so that you may have feelings of chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Click here to learn more. 

Particle Pollution: Also known as particulate matter, particle pollution is composed of microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. Click here to learn more. 

Air quality affects everyone, but certain populations are at greater risk when air quality is poor.

Older Adults

As people age, their bodies are less able to compensate for the effects of environmental hazards. Air pollution can aggravate heart disease and stroke, lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, and diabetes.

Click here to find more information for older adults and their caregivers.

Children and teenagers

Young people’s lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Health officials recommend modifying children’s activities when the air quality is poor to reduce their exposure to air pollution.

• Air quality activity guide for schools, camps, daycares or other programs for children
• Resources for teachers, caregivers and educators

Other at-risk groups:

• People with certain health conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Click here to learn more about how air pollution impacts these conditions:

• Pregnant people

• Outdoor workers

Alerts powered by Smart911 is the official notification system used by the Village of Oak Park to communicate with community residents during emergencies, including days when air quality is unhealthy. Sign up here to receive free alerts from the Village of Oak Park via text message, email and/or voice message.