Prescott, AZ
This morning Aphrodite released the first air quality readings to the general public. The report is based on the AQI (Air Quality Index), a universal index for reporting daily air quality.
Today’s AQI is 55.
The report is rather shocking as the baseline AQI at the beginning of last week was a mere 15. It seems that the event is already having a strong environmental impact after only a couple of days.
Understanding the AQI
EPA has assigned a specific value to each AQI category to make it easier for people to understand quickly whether air pollution is reaching unhealthy levels in their communities.
| |
|
|
| Good |
0 to 50 |
Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk |
| Moderate |
51 to 100 |
Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. |
| Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
101 to 150 |
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. |
| Unhealthy |
151 to 200 |
Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. |
| Very Unhealthy |
201 to 300 |
Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected. |
| Hazardous |
301 to 500 |
Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects |
PGNN 