Outdoor Air Quality
When the outdoor air quality index reaches (or is expected to reach) unhealthy levels for an extended period of time, the University of Washington’s Emergency Management office coordinates the UW’s response and convenes UW’s Weather Status Assessment Group.
Causes of unhealthy air quality
Vehicle exhaust, wood stove emissions, industrial emissions, wildfire smoke, windblown dust and other sources contain fine particles with diameters 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) that can be harmful to your health. Other common air pollutants include ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Check air quality
Thinking about working or relaxing outdoors today? Check the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency air quality sensor map for information about air quality.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
Air Quality Index (AQI) and Recommended Actions*
Good (0-50 AQI)
It’s a great day to be active outside and a good time to make a plan if worse air quality is in the forecast.
Moderate (51–100 AQI)
- Some people are especially sensitive to lower levels of particle pollution and should reduce exposure. For example, limit time outside and avoid strenuous outdoor activity. All sensitive groups should watch for symptoms.
- UW personnel who work outdoors take precautions: Review UW Environmental Health & Safety guidance when the AQI reaches 69.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150 AQI)
- Sensitive groups should take steps to reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
- Everyone should watch for symptoms as a sign to reduce exposure.
- UW personnel who work outdoors take precautions: Review Environmental Health & Safety guidance and UW requirements when AQI reaches 101.
Unhealthy (151–200 AQI)
Everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. Review Environmental Health & Safety guidance and UW requirements for worker safety.
Very Unhealthy (201–300 AQI)
Everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed. Review Environmental Health & Safety guidance and UW requirements for worker safety.
Hazardous (300+ AQI)
Everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed. Review Environmental Health & Safety guidance and UW requirements for worker safety.
* Information from the Washington State Department of Health, Washington Department of Ecology and UW Environmental Health & Safety.
Youth programs
Schools, camps, sports teams and childcare providers should make plans for wildfire smoke and unhealthy air quality. Follow University guidance on wildfire smoke and air quality published by the Office of the Youth Protection Coordinator.
Reduce your exposure
- Limit duration and intensity of outside physical activity.
- Consider remote work or implementing your department’s business continuity plan.
- Stay inside with cleaner indoor air: Close windows and doors, unless it is too hot to maintain safe temperatures.
- Don’t add to indoor air pollution, such as cigarette smoking or burning candles.
- Filter indoor air through an HVAC system, HEPA portable air cleaner, or DIY box fan filter. Set air conditioning to recirculate. Learn how to make your own filter fan.
- If unable to maintain clean air at home, go elsewhere for cleaner air such as a friend’s place, public space, or unimpacted area.
- Review requirements for worker safety on UW’s Environmental Health & Safety website.
Outdoor air quality alerts
If the UW limits or suspends operations due to unhealthy outdoor air quality, information will be shared via:
- UW Alert – students, faculty and staff can sign up to receive text messages.
- Banner on UW’s website
- Recorded message on UW’s information line, 206-UWS-INFO, Toll Free: 1-866-897-INFO
- If the air quality reaches an action level that requires outdoor worker protections, UW Environmental Health & Safety will post information on their website, share information with campus partners and the UW Health and Safety Committees.