Air pollution can cause serious health problems. Local air quality, like the weather, can change from day to day and can be influenced by local and regional events like wildfires. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Air Quality Index, or AQI, to make information available about the health effects of the five most common air pollutants.
The AQI is a tool for communicating daily air quality. It uses color-coded categories divided into six categories with each color corresponding to a different level of health concern.
AirNow provides single source reporting using the official U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI). At AirNow you can find air quality data for your state and local area.
View the current AQI for the Charlottesville Area.
AirNow is a partnership of EPA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Park Service, NASA, Centers for Disease Control, and tribal, state, and local air quality agencies.
AirNow AQI - Booklet - A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health
The University of California has published this Decision‐Making Matrix for Wildfire Smoke Events.
If you have questions about how the AQI may affect your work or planned activities, particularly those involving prolonged or intense outdoor activity, consult with your supervisor.
