Climate and Health: Outdoor Activity Recommendations for Unhealthy Air Quality Index Levels
Health and safety protection options when the air is unsafe
Everyone’s health is affected by breathing polluted air, but certain groups are at greater risk of being harmed from exposure to air pollution, including people with existing health problems (like asthma or other lung and heart diseases), children, teens, older adults, pregnant people, and people who are very active, without shelter, or work outdoors. Climate change also impacts air quality, creating conditions like warmer temperatures and decreased precipitation that make it easier for outdoor air pollutants to form and harm our health.
The purpose of these recommendations is to provide a range of suggested actions individuals, families, employers, and other decision-makers can take to protect the health and safety of Wisconsinites when the air outdoors is unsafe to breathe.
What is the Air Quality Index?
The DNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) uses weather forecasts, data from air monitoring stations, and computer modeling to assess air pollution levels throughout the state and notifies residents in real time when pollutants reach unhealthy levels. The DNR uses EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) AirNow Air Quality Index (AQI) to inform the public of current pollutant levels and health risks. To protect public health, the DNR issues an air quality advisory for affected areas when the AQI exceeds—or is expected to exceed—the ground-level ozone or particulate matter (PM2.5) standards. Sign up receive DNR air quality alerts statewide or by county.
For current air quality conditions, visit the DNR air monitoring webpage. When levels exceed 300 according to the AQI, EPA recommends that everyone avoid outdoor exposure until air quality has returned to safer levels. If people cannot avoid outdoor air exposures, it may be helpful to wear an N95 mask when outdoors when fine particle (PM2.5) pollution is unsafe. Please note that N95 masks masks do not filter out ground-level ozone pollution.
Click the headers below to learn what you can do to keep yourself and people you care for safe and healthy when there are high levels of air pollution in the air according to the AQI.
Everyone’s health is affected by unsafe air quality, but certain groups are more at risk of being harmed from exposure to air pollution. These individuals and their caregivers should take steps to understand these risks and steps they can take to keep themselves and others safe. Read more about symptoms and recommendations on how to stay healthy when the air is unsafe to breathe.
The following groups of people are most affected by air pollution:
- Kids, babies, and teens are at greatest risk from exposure to air pollution because their lungs are still developing and they're more likely to be active outdoors when pollutants like ozone are high. As a result, kids are breathing in more pollution than adults, pound for pound. Children are also more likely than adults to have asthma. Caregivers should watch for symptoms, such as coughing or difficulty breathing when the AQI is high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has additional guidance for caregivers on preparing for and responding to wildfire smoke.
- Pregnant people and their babies are affected by poor air quality. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy has been linked to babies born too early, too small, and with lung problems. Scientists also suspect a link between poor air quality and miscarriage, birth defects, and autism disorders.
- Unhoused people are susceptible to the effects of air pollution, particularly wildfire smoke, due to the amount of time they spend outdoors, near roadways or industrial areas, and because of limited access to resources like air purifiers. This can lead to more emergency room visits and a higher chance of developing heart or lung health issues.
- People with chronic health conditions who are already ill are more severely affected by air pollution. For people with asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) air pollution can make it harder to breathe and trigger asthma attacks. Air pollution also increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
- People with disabilities have a wide range of conditions that limits their ability to do certain activities. There are many types of disabilities, including those that affect vision, hearing, speech, cognition, and mobility. Exposure to air pollution can increase obesity, cardiovascular disease, neurological, and functional disabilities. People with disabilities are also more likely to have risk factors, such as poverty and unemployment, that put them at greater risk.
- Older adults are less able to endure the effects of environmental hazards as their bodies age. Poor air quality worsens the health and well-being of older adults with heart disease and stroke, lung diseases (such as COPD and asthma), and diabetes. This can lead to increased medication needs, more visits to health care providers, emergency rooms and hospitals. Fine particle pollution, called PM2.5, has been linked to premature death, cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks, asthma attacks, and the development of chronic bronchitis. Ozone, even at low levels, can worsen respiratory diseases.
Air Quality Index levels
The Air Quality Index (AQI) from EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a tool used to report daily air quality by sharing how clean or polluted the air is. It serves as a warning system for the public when air pollution reaches or is expected to reach unhealthy levels.
Good for everyone
0-50
Who needs to be concerned?
No one
What should I do?
No limits, it's a great day to be active outside. Be aware of changing quality.
Moderate for Sensitive Groups
51-100
Who needs to be concerned?
People who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, particularly those with asthma.
What should I do?
- Unusually sensitive people should limit time outdoors, do shorter and less intense activities, and watch for symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath.
- Everyone else: It's a good day to be active outside.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
101-150
Who needs to be concerned?
Sensitive groups such as people with heart or lung disease like asthma, older adults, children and teenagers.
What should I do?
- Sensitive groups: Limit time outdoors, do shorter and less intense activities, take more breaks, and watch for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
- People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy.
- People with heart disease symptoms: Contact your health care provider if you experience heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue.
- Everyone else should do shorter and less intense outdoor activities.
Unhealthy for everyone
151-200
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Sensitive groups: Limit time outdoors, do shorter and less intense activities, take more breaks, and watch for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
- Everyone else: Limit time outdoors, do shorter and less intense activities, and take more breaks during all outdoor activities.
Very Unhealthy for everyone
201-300
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is very unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Sensitive groups and people with health issues: Stay indoors or seek indoor shelter. Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
- Everyone else: Stay indoors if possible. When outdoors, consider wearing an N95 mask to filter fine particle pollution (PM2.5), do shorter and less intense activities, and take more breaks.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution
Hazardous for everyone
301-500
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is extremely unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Everyone:
- Avoid outdoor air exposure until air quality has returned to safer levels.
- Remain indoors and keep activity levels low.
- Follow tips for sealing windows and doors to keep particles from seeping indoors.
- If people cannot avoid outdoor air exposure, an N95 mask may be helpful to filter fine particles (PM2.5) when outdoors.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution.
Schools, school sports, child care, and day camps
Children and teens are at greatest risk from exposure to air pollution because their lungs are still developing and they're more likely to be active outdoors when pollutants like ozone and fine particles (PM2.5) are high. Kids also breathe more air relative to their body size, pound for pound, which means they breathe in more pollution than adults. They're also more likely than adults to have asthma.
Adjusting outdoor activities for children is critical to protect their health on days with poor air quality. Schools, daycares and childcare facilities, athletic teams, and organizations providing before- and after-school programming can take the following steps to keep children safe:
- Develop plans to keep indoor air quality safe:
- Be proactive with HVAC filter installation and maintenance.
- Create indoor cleaner air spaces for students at higher health risk from poor air quality by running air cleaners and closing windows.
- Identify students at higher health risk from wildfire smoke and poor air quality. Ensure there are resources and support to offer them in the case of poor air quality days.
- Provide education to teachers and staff to make informed decisions about adjusting activity-levels, activity types, and location of activities on poor air quality days.
- Routinely monitor the air quality forecast on DNR’s website and sign up to receive a notice from DNR when air quality in your county is unsafe.
Children and teens with health conditions are particularly affected by air pollution, such as those with asthma, complex medical needs, or other heart and lung diseases.
Babies and young children are also the most susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution exposure, and are more likely to experience long-term health impacts.
Air Quality Index levels
The Air Quality Index (AQI) from EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a tool used to report daily air quality by sharing how clean or polluted the air is. It serves as a warning system for the public when air pollution reaches or is expected to reach unhealthy levels.
Good for everyone
0-50
Who needs to be concerned?
No one
What should I do?
No limits, it's a great day for children to be active outside. Continue with outdoor activities, but be aware of changing quality.
Moderate for sensitive groups
51-100
Who needs to be concerned?
Children who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, particularly those with asthma.
What should I do?
- Monitor the AQI forecasts.
- Consider making outdoor activities shorter or choose less intense activities.
- Monitor children and teens for symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath.
- Ensure students with asthma follow their asthma action plans and medically managing their condition according to plan.
Unhealthy for sensitive groups
101-150
Who needs to be concerned?
Sensitive groups Babies, children, and teenagers, especially those with heart or lung diseases like asthma.
What should I do?
- Regularly monitor the AQI forecasts.
- Make indoor space (with air filtration) available and/or make indoor activity options available for sensitive individuals.
- All children should do shorter and less intense activities to lower breathing rates, and watch for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
- For longer activities such as athletic practices, increase rest periods and substitutions to lower athletes’ breathing rates.
- Children with asthma should follow asthma action plans and have their medicines with them or a designated adult.
Unhealthy for everyone
151-200
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Consider moving all activities to an indoors location with air filtration.
- Limit outdoor activities for all students, children and teens.
- Watch students for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
- Students with asthma should follow asthma action plans, stay indoors and have their medicines with them or a designated adult.
Very unhealthy for everyone
201-300
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is very unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Cancel all outdoor activities.
- Moved all activities indoors and substitute with shorter, less intense options.
- Any outdoor sports practices or events should be rescheduled, moved indoors to a space with air filtration, or canceled.
- When outdoors, consider wearing an N95 mask to filter fine particle pollution (PM2.5).
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution
Hazardous for everyone
301-500
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is extremely unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Cancel all outdoors activities.
- Reschedule or cancel any outdoor sports practices or events.
- Indoor activities should be kept at low intensity and frequency, especially for students with asthma.
- Avoid outdoor air exposure until air quality has returned to safer levels.
- If people cannot avoid outdoor air exposure, an N95 mask may be helpful to filter fine particles (PM2.5) when outdoors.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution.
Outdoor workers and employers
People who work outdoors experience greater risks of exposure to poor outdoor air quality due to the amount of time they spend outside doing strenuous work, and their limited ability to retreat indoors. Common outdoor workers include firefighters, emergency responders, public safety, park rangers, public works, utility, agricultural, forestry, construction, energy, landscaping, transportation, roofers, delivery services, and more.
Although Wisconsinites work outdoors in all seasons, poor outdoor air quality particularly affects them in the summer months when air quality can be made worse by high temperatures, creating more ground-level ozone and wildfire smoke containing PM2.5 (particulate matter) and other hazardous air pollutants. While ozone is most common in summer, PM2.5 pollution is prevalent year round.
Employers should be aware that poor air quality may adversely affect the health of their workforce and prepare to take action to limit their workers’ exposures when air quality is unsafe. Long work schedules and physical demands of the work performed—resulting in higher breathing rates—may impact a worker’s exposure or worsen the health effects of that exposure. Employers should have plans and preparations in place to protect workers from air pollution from wildfires and other sources by preventing or minimizing exposure to hazardous air quality.
In early spring, take these steps to protect outdoor workers from poor air quality:
- Allow for rest and relief. Provide an indoor location with filtered air for breaks. Consider scheduling strenuous work for periods with better air quality.
- Develop and provide training on:
- The signs and symptoms of smoke-related illness.
- Information on the employer’s emergency or first aid plans.
- An overview of the rest and relief measures that the employer will provide to workers during wildfire smoke or air pollution exposure.
- Information on the employer’s respiratory protection program for those who are required to work when the AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 300.
- An overview of workers’ rights to not be retaliated against for reporting any workplace health or safety concern.
- Employers can create a respiratory protection program and document their plans for employee rest and relief, training, and emergency protocols, including:
- Flexibility measures to relocate, move work indoors, or postpone until the air quality improves.
- Signs and symptoms of common smoke-related illnesses and basic first aid that workers and supervisors can easily follow.
- Methods of monitoring the conditions to which workers are exposed.
- Steps to reduce immediate risks:
- Frequently monitor air quality conditions in the area by visiting the Department of Natural Resources' Wisconsin Air Quality Monitoring Data, the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) AirNow, or EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map.
- Relocate or reschedule work tasks to areas or times of the day with better air quality.
- Reduce levels of physical activity when possible, especially strenuous and heavy work.
- Require and encourage workers to take frequent breaks in places that are free from smoke or poor air quality.
- Limit worker exposure to poor air quality by making accommodations for workers to perform duties indoors or in a location that reduces exposure to smoke if possible.
Air Quality Index levels
The Air Quality Index (AQI) from EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a tool used to report daily air quality by sharing how clean or polluted the air is. It serves as a warning system for the public when air pollution reaches or is expected to reach unhealthy levels.
Good for everyone
0-50
Who needs to be concerned?
No one
What should I do?
It’s a good day to be outside. Continue follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) recommendations for rest and relief. Be aware of local air quality around the work zone.
Moderate for sensitive groups
51-100
Who needs to be concerned?
People who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, particularly those with asthma.
What should I do?
- Monitor the AQI for PM2.5 and ozone forecasts. Consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion, particularly for people who may be unusually sensitive. Encourage employees and managers to watch for symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier.
Unhealthy for sensitive groups
101-150
Who needs to be concerned?
Sensitive groups such as people with heart or lung disease like asthma, older adults, and teenagers.
What should I do?
- Regularly monitor the AQI forecasts and alert employees when levels reach 101 or above.
- Consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion for sensitive groups. Encourage employees and managers to watch for symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier.
- People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy.
- For fine particle pollution (PM2.5), employers should provide filtering facepiece respirators, such as N95 masks, to employees who request them as long as the respirators do not interfere with other safety equipment.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution.
Unhealthy for everyone
151-200
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- If possible, relocate work to a location where the current AQI value for PM2.5 is lower, change work schedules, and/or reduce work intensity.
- If workers must be outdoors, offer breaks as necessary in enclosed buildings, structures or vehicles where the air is effectively filtered.
- For fine particle pollution (PM2.5), employers should provide filtering facepiece respirators, such as N95 masks, to employees who request them as long as the respirators do not interfere with other safety equipment.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution.
Very unhealthy for everyone
201-300
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is very unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Cancel, reschedule, and/or move work indoors.
- If workers must be outdoors, offer breaks in enclosed buildings, structures, or vehicles where the air is effectively filtered.
- When canceling work is not an option, provide respirators to all workers for mandatory use consistent with the employer’s respiratory protection program
- For fine particle pollution (PM2.5), employers should provide filtering facepiece respirators, such as N95 masks, to employees who request them as long as the respirators do not interfere with other safety equipment.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution.
Hazardous for everyone
301-500
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is extremely unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Everyone:
- Cancel, reschedule and/or move work indoors.
- If workers must be outdoors, offer breaks as necessary in enclosed buildings, structures, or vehicles where the air is effectively filtered.
- When canceling work is not an option, provide respirators to all workers for mandatory use consistent with the employer’s respiratory protection program.
Tribal and local governments and health departments
Tribal and local governments and health departments play a critical role in maintaining the health and safety of their communities and their employees. When air quality is unsafe, it's important to inform members of your community about health risks from air pollution, what they can do to stay healthy, and what resources are available to support them. people who are more at risk of health harms.
It's especially important to understand the populations most at risk of health harms, the best communications channels to reach them, and clear, concise messages tailored to each population with easy action steps. Here's a snapshot of who's most at risk from fine particle and ozone air pollution and why:
Who's at risk?
People with asthma or respiratory diseases.
People with heart/ cardiovascular disease
Babies and children under the age of 18
People who work outdoors and are active
People who are pregnant and their unborn baby
People of low socio-economic status
Older adults
Why are they at risk?
Fine particle and ozone pollution can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate COPD and other lung diseases.
Fine particle and ozone pollution can cause cardiovascular symptoms and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke
Children spend more time outdoors, they are more active, and they breathe more air per pound of body weight.
People with jobs that require outdoor work spend more time exposed to air pollution.
During critical development, the fetus may experience pollution-related effects.
Less health care access, more untreated illnesses, and less ability to reduce pollution exposure increases risks.
High prevalence of lung and heart diseases and poor defense mechanisms can worsen symptoms.
Considerations for at-risk populations
When working to keep your community safe, it is important to recognize there may be challenges for particular groups that you may need to consider:
- Families and children may experience disrupted learning, missed work, decreased food access, and strained family resources during severe air quality events when camps, schools, and childcare facilities close to protect children’s health.
- Outdoor workers may be unable to work during times of elevated air pollution or wildfire smoke, straining resources. Severe air quality events may result in workers working in unsafe conditions.
- Older adults are more susceptible to air quality-related health effects than the general population. Older adults, especially those living alone or in senior living facilities, may be at increased risk during poor air quality events and may struggle to access resources needed to protect their health.
- People with low socio-economic status are less able to access resources, such as filters, N95 masks, and indoor spaces with air filtration systems, to protect their health when the air quality is poor. They are also more likely to live in substandard housing, work outdoors, and rely on public or community services. They are often unable to follow health recommendations such as staying indoors and using respiratory protection and are more affected by school and workplace policies and closures.
- People experiencing homelessness are more often unable to access indoor spaces for long periods of time, especially those with air filtration.
- Non-English or English as a Second Language speakers may not understand public information materials and health advisories. Providing materials in other languages will be important. AirNow provides documents and resources in Spanish about interpreting the Air Quality Index and protecting health when air quality is poor. As well as the children's book Why is Coco Orange?. This is a short book that teaches children, especially children with asthma, about air quality. The book is intended for children aged 4 to 8.
Protecting you and your staff
Regularly monitoring air quality conditions and having policies in place for outdoor workers when the air is unsafe are important ways to keep staff safe. For levels above 300 (Hazardous Air Quality Index), EPA recommends that everyone avoid outdoor exposure until air quality has returned to safer levels. If people cannot avoid outdoor air exposures, it may be helpful to wear an N95 mask when outdoors. Please note that N95 masks filter out fine particle (PM2.5) pollution but do not filter ground-level ozone pollution.
To protect public health, the DNR issues an air quality advisory by county when the AQI exceeds—or is expected to exceed—the ozone or fine particle (PM2.5) standard. Sign up receive DNR air quality alerts statewide or by county.
The best strategy to protect health is to limit time spent outside. If you must do outdoor activities, try to plan them for days or times when the air quality is safer.
Air Quality Index levels
The Air Quality Index (AQI) from EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a tool used to report daily air quality by sharing how clean or polluted the air is. It serves as a warning system for the public when air pollution reaches or is expected to reach unhealthy levels.
Good for everyone
0-50
Who needs to be concerned?
No one
What should I do?
No limits, it's a great day to be active outside. Be aware of changing quality.
Moderate for sensitive groups
51-100
Who needs to be concerned?
People who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, particularly those with asthma.
What should I do?
- Unusually sensitive people should limit time outdoors, do shorter and less intense activities, and watch for symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath.
- Everyone else: It's a good day to be active outside.
Unhealthy for sensitive groups
101-150
Who needs to be concerned?
Sensitive groups such as people with heart or lung disease like asthma, older adults, children and teenagers.
What should I do?
- Sensitive groups: Limit time outdoors, do shorter and less intense activities, take more breaks, and watch for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
- People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy.
- People with heart disease symptoms: Contact your health care provider if you experience heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue.
- Everyone else should do shorter and less intense outdoor activities.
Unhealthy for everyone
151-200
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Sensitive groups: Limit time outdoors, do shorter and less intense activities, take more breaks, and watch for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
- Everyone else: Limit time outdoors, do shorter and less intense activities, and take more breaks during all outdoor activities.
Very unhealthy for everyone
201-300
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is very unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Sensitive groups and people with health issues: Stay indoors or seek indoor shelter. Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
- Everyone else: Stay indoors if possible. When outdoors, consider wearing an N95 mask to filter fine particle pollution (PM2.5), do shorter and less intense activities, and take more breaks.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution
Hazardous for everyone
301-500
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is extremely unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Everyone:
- Avoid outdoor air exposure until air quality has returned to safer levels.
- Remain indoors and keep activity levels low.
- Follow tips for sealing windows and doors to keep particles from seeping indoors.
- If people cannot avoid outdoor air exposure, an N95 mask may be helpful to filter fine particles (PM2.5) when outdoors.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution.
Outdoor event planners
Like any natural disaster, air quality can impact outdoor public events and planners should make contingency plans to keep participants safe and healthy. Individuals often spend long periods of time outdoors to participate in or watch events, so it's important for event planners to be prepared if the air becomes unsafe to breathe by sharing guidance and action steps with event staff and attendees. Planners should review these air quality recommendations to help them determine when an event should be limited, moved indoors, or canceled due to poor outdoor air quality.
Having a contingency plan on how and when to adapt activities based on multiple air quality scenarios can help event organizers ensure all attendees, event staff, and volunteers stay safe. Events planners can include the following tasks in their air quality preparedness and response plans:
- Train staff and volunteers on air quality response and preparedness plans and assign lead roles.
- Monitor the air quality forecast as the event date gets closer.
- Prepare plans for alternate locations or dates if the air quality levels warrant an event move indoors, to another location, be rescheduled, or canceled.
- Ensure there is sufficient number of medical staff who are trained on signs, symptoms, and treatment of air quality exposure.
- Promote use of or provide N95 masks for respiratory protection for fine particles (PM2.5). Note that N95 masks do not filter out ground-level ozone pollution.
- Have educational materials on hand to share with event participants, staff or volunteers if needed.
On top of considering the current air quality status, outdoor events can also contribute to poor air quality conditions, including:
- Increased vehicle traffic.
- Whenever feasible, event planners should plan for and promote multi-modal transportation options like public transit, bike racks, park and ride event shuttles, etc.
- Generators used to power equipment.
- Choose solar generators and avoid diesel and natural gas generators whenever possible.
- Grills used to cook food.
- Use electric grills whenever possible. Place propane or natural gas grills in well-ventilated outdoor areas, away from structures and flammable materials to protect staff and event attendees.
- Dry conditions that create more airborne soil and dust particles.
- Spray dry, dusty areas with water to keep the particles out of the air.
Air Quality Index levels
The Air Quality Index (AQI) from EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a tool used to report daily air quality by sharing how clean or polluted the air is. It serves as a warning system for the public when air pollution reaches or is expected to reach unhealthy levels.
Good for everyone
0-50
Who needs to be concerned?
No one
What should I do?
No limits, it's a great day to be active outside. Be aware of changing quality. Continue with event as planned.
Moderate for sensitive groups
51-100
Who needs to be concerned?
People who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, particularly those with asthma.
What should I do?
- Follow your event preparedness and response plan protocols.
- Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts. Continue with event as planned.
- Consider encouraging event participants to monitor air quality conditions.
- Be aware that unusually sensitive people should limit time outdoors, do shorter and less intense activities, and watch for symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath.
Unhealthy for sensitive groups
101-150
Who needs to be concerned?
Members of sensitive groups such as people with heart or lung disease like asthma, older adults, children, teenagers, and pregnant people.
What should I do?
- Follow your event preparedness and response plan protocols.
- Regularly monitor the AQI for PM2.5 forecasts.
- Encourage those most at-risk to monitor air conditions and decide what activities at the event are safe for them. Sensitive groups should do shorter, less intense activities.
- Consider sharing information and education with event attendees, staff, and volunteers, including to watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easy or relocate indoors as possible.
- If fine particle (PM2.5) pollution is elevated, consider promoting the use of N95 masks or distributing masks for sensitive individuals.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution.
Unhealthy for everyone
151-200
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Follow your event preparedness and response plan protocols.
- If possible, try to relocate the event indoors or a location where the current AQI is safe.
- Provide information about the air quality to attendees and event staff.
- Consider sharing health educational information with event attendees and staff/volunteers so that they can determine whether to participate in the event or not.
- Encourage attendees to watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easy or relocate indoors as possible.
- Consider providing N95 masks to attendees and staff or volunteers for fine particle (PM2.5) only.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution.
Very unhealthy for everyone
201-300
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is very unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Follow your event preparedness and response plan protocols.
- Cancel, reschedule or move the event indoors.
- Provide educational information regarding air quality concerns to all participants and event staff.
- Consider allowing programmed activities (e.g., individual performers) to withdraw from the event or reschedule individual activities.
- Consider providing N95 masks to attendees and staff or volunteers for fine particle (PM2.5) only.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution.
Hazardous for everyone
301-500
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is extremely unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Follow your event preparedness and response plan protocols.
- Cancel, reschedule, or move the event indoors.
- Provide information on air quality concerns to all participants and event staff.
- No activities can take place outdoors.
- Consider providing N95 masks to attendees and staff or volunteers for fine particle (PM2.5) only.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution.
Outdoor recreational and educational camps
Children and teens are at greatest risk from exposure to air pollution because their lungs are still developing and they're more likely to be active outdoors when pollutants like ground-level ozone and fine particles (PM2.5) are high. Kids also breathe more air relative to their body size, pound for pound, which means they will breathe in more pollution than adults. Children are also more likely than adults to have asthma.
Outdoor recreational and educational summer camps, particularly those that have no indoor spaces, can put children, camp counselors and staff at greater risk of exposure to air pollution due to the inability to move to a space with safe air. Adjusting camp activities for children is critical to protect their health on days with poor air quality. Summer camps can take the following steps to keep children, teens, counselors, and staff safe during times of poor air quality:
- Include air quality considerations in the natural disaster section of your camp preparedness and response plan. In the plan, include the following:
- Switch from high intensity activities, such as kickball, to lower intensity activities, such as crafts, to keep breathing rates lower.
- Stock filtering respirators, such as N95 masks, to provide protection for children and staff, especially for those who have asthma or any other heart and lung conditions. Note that N95 masks only filer fine particles (PM2.5) and do not provide protection from ground-level ozone.
- Encourage parents to pack N95 masks with children for day and overnight camps.
- Rescue plans for campers on backcountry excursions during large-scale air quality events.
- Develop backup plans to move activities inside to a space (with air filtration if possible).
- Create policies and train staff to make informed decisions about adjusting activity levels, activity types, and location of activities on poor air quality days.
- Train staff to monitor for signs and symptoms of poor air quality exposures affecting campers.
- Routinely monitor the air quality forecast on DNR’s website and sign up for air quality notices via text, email, or both.
Air Quality Index levels
The Air Quality Index (AQI) from EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a tool used to report daily air quality by sharing how clean or polluted the air is. It serves as a warning system for the public when air pollution reaches or is expected to reach unhealthy levels.
Good for everyone
0-50
Who needs to be concerned?
No one
What should I do?
No limits, it's a great day to be active outside. Continue with outdoor activities as planned, but be aware of changing quality.
Moderate for sensitive groups
51-100
Who needs to be concerned?
People who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, particularly those with asthma.
What should I do?
- Monitor the AQI for PM2.5 and ozone forecasts.
- Consider making outdoor activities shorter or choose less intense activities.
- Monitor children and teens for symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath.
- Ensure students with asthma are following their asthma action plans and medically managing their condition in consultation with the camp nurse or independently with parental permission.
Unhealthy for sensitive groups
101-150
Who needs to be concerned?
Members of sensitive groups such as children, teenagers, and people with asthma, heart or lung diseases.
What should I do?
- Limit outdoor activities for all children and teens.
- Substitute outdoor activities for shorter, less intense ones and increase rests to lower breathing rates.
- Consider moving all activities to an indoor location with air filtration if available.
- Watch children and teens for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Anyone who reports these symptoms should move indoors if available, preferably to a space with air filtration.
- Children with asthma should follow asthma action plans and have their quick-relief medicines with them or the supervising camp staff.
Unhealthy for everyone
151-200
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Limit outdoor activities for all children and teens.
- Substitute outdoor activities for shorter, less intense ones and increase rests to lower breathing rates.
- Consider moving all activities to an indoor location with air filtration if available.
- Watch children and teens for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Anyone who reports these symptoms should move indoors if available, preferably to a space with air filtration.
- Children with asthma should follow asthma action plans and have their quick-relief medicines with them or the supervising camp staff.
Very unhealthy for everyone
201-300
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is very unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Consider moving camp to an indoor location with air filtration.
- Monitor campers with symptoms, especially those with asthma or other heart and lung conditions.
- Consider canceling camp if possible.
- Cancel all outdoor activities.
- Stay indoors whenever possible. When outdoors, consider wearing an N95 mask to filter fine particle pollution (PM2.5).
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution
Hazardous for everyone
301-500
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone, the AQI is extremely unhealthy for all people.
What should I do?
- Everyone:
- Cancel all outdoor activities
- Avoid outdoor air exposure until air quality has returned to safer levels.
- Remain indoors and keep activity levels low.
- Follow tips for sealing windows and doors to keep particles from seeping indoors.
- If people cannot avoid outdoor air exposure, an N95 mask may be helpful to filter fine particles (PM2.5) when outdoors.
- Note: Masks cannot filter ground-level ozone pollution.
Particulate matter (PM2.5) is made up of solid or liquid particles that float in the air. These particles may include dust, dirt, soot, smoke, drops of liquid, and other contaminants. Some particles are big enough to see—like smoke in the air and others cannot be seen in the air. Breathing in particle pollution of any size can harm your health. Larger particles can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. Tiny particles, called PM2.5, are more dangerous because they can get into deep parts of your lungs and even your bloodstream.
Ground-level ozone most often affects counties on and near Lake Michigan in summer. Like PM2.5, it can harm everyone’s heart and lungs and impair breathing for people with lung diseases like asthma. No disposable masks or reusable respirators are currently certified by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety to filter ozone pollution.
Equity considerations are important when responding to an unsafe air quality event. Consider how certain people feel adverse health impacts more than others. Local government and decision-makers should identify strategies to support people most at risk of illness and those who are unable to avoid outside activity or do not have access to indoor shelter—people working outdoors, experiencing homelessness, waiting for public transit, or athletes, etc.—through outreach, prevention, and intervention activities.
Some masks can reduce exposure to air pollution when pollution levels are unhealthy. If staying indoors is not an option, masks that filter out fine particles (PM2.5) before you breathe them in can be helpful when outdoors. N95 masks (sometimes called respirators) and other masks rated for filtering out fine particles are recommended. Surgical and cloth masks do not provide the same amount of protection from PM2.5 exposure. No masks or respirators are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to filter ground-level ozone.
Other air quality resources
For more information, contact the Climate and Health Program at dhsclimate@dhs.wisconsin.gov or 608-266-1120.