Here's how to check California air quality conditions where you are

Pollution from wildfire smoke can have short and long-term health impacts, even in moderate amounts

Pollution from wildfire smoke can have short and long-term health impacts, even in moderate amounts

We've seen over the past couple of years, major wildfires can have *** big impact on air quality and sometimes bad air quality isn't always obvious. Meteorologist Heather Waldman tells you how to monitor the air quality around you so you can stay safe. The air quality index tracks both ozone and smoke pollution, both of which can have an impact on your health in the short and long term. Even if you don't have any pre existing health conditions, knowing how to check the AQI before you head outside can help you make decisions to keep yourself and your family safe. Here's *** couple of resources that we use here on the KC three weather team. Air dot gov is the epa's website there. You'll find interactive maps showing current readings and forecasts for the next couple of days. There's also *** free mobile app so you can check conditions on the go purple. Air dot com is another site that uses measurements from homes and businesses in our communities. If any of these dots are purple, that means air quality is at *** level that's unhealthy for all of us, red dots would represent pollution levels that would be unhealthy for somebody with *** respiratory condition. If you want to go high tech, there are many options for in home pollution monitors. Just make sure the ones you're looking at track smoke or find particulates and sometimes you don't even need the numbers. If you walk outside and you can see smell or even taste the smoke in the air. It's *** safe bet that you need to consider taking some extra precautions and stay inside where the air is clean and recirculated. Of course, check your H VAC filters regularly and your car cabin filters too. If you do have to be outside, consider using an N95 mask like this one. I'm meteorologist Heather Waldman for K three news.

Here's how to check California air quality conditions where you are

Pollution from wildfire smoke can have short and long-term health impacts, even in moderate amounts

The impact of a wildfire can spread hundreds of miles from the source as smoke travels through the air. Pollution particles in that smoke can be harmful in the short and long term, regardless of someone's current health status. Knowing how to check air quality conditions can help you make the best decisions to keep yourself and your family safe. Here are two tools that the KCRA 3 Weather Team uses and trusts. AirNow.govThis site is run by the Environmental Protection Agency.The EPA has sensors throughout Northern California that track both smoke pollution and ozone pollution. Live updates on those readings can be seen using AirNow's interactive map. The site also provides a rough forecast of expected air quality conditions in specific areas. All of the reports are based on the Air Quality Index, also developed by the EPA. An AQI of 50 or lower represents "Good" quality air that is relatively free of pollutants. Once the AQI reaches 101, air pollution is at a level that is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including the very old, the very young and anyone with a respiratory or immune condition.An AQI above 300 is hazardous in the short and long term for everyone.If you want to check the air quality on the go, the AirNow app is a good, free resource.PurpleAir.comPurpleAir is a private company with its own network of air quality monitors purchased by users around the world. These sensors are specifically designed to track smoke pollution. The free interactive map page displays real-time AQI readings.Other InformationBoth of these sites can provide some helpful information about current and future air quality conditions. There are also plenty of in-home air quality monitors that you can purchase, just be sure the ones you are looking at specifically measure smoke pollution or particle pollution. When also else fails: use your own senses. If you can see, smell or even taste smoke, it's a sure bet that you should proceed with caution. Staying inside with clean, recirculated air is the best option. Be sure to routinely change out your home or business' HVAC filters and check your car's cabin filter. If you need to be outside, an N95 or KN-95 mask can provide some protection. | MORE | KCRA 3 Fire Threat Index: Track fire conditions across Northern California regions

The impact of a wildfire can spread hundreds of miles from the source as smoke travels through the air.

Pollution particles in that smoke can be harmful in the short and long term, regardless of someone's current health status.

Knowing how to check air quality conditions can help you make the best decisions to keep yourself and your family safe.

Here are two tools that the KCRA 3 Weather Team uses and trusts.

AirNow.gov

This site is run by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA has sensors throughout Northern California that track both smoke pollution and ozone pollution. Live updates on those readings can be seen using AirNow's interactive map. The site also provides a rough forecast of expected air quality conditions in specific areas.

All of the reports are based on the Air Quality Index, also developed by the EPA.

An AQI of 50 or lower represents "Good" quality air that is relatively free of pollutants. Once the AQI reaches 101, air pollution is at a level that is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including the very old, the very young and anyone with a respiratory or immune condition.

An AQI above 300 is hazardous in the short and long term for everyone.

If you want to check the air quality on the go, the AirNow app is a good, free resource.

PurpleAir.com

PurpleAir is a private company with its own network of air quality monitors purchased by users around the world. These sensors are specifically designed to track smoke pollution.

The free interactive map page displays real-time AQI readings.

Other Information

Both of these sites can provide some helpful information about current and future air quality conditions.

There are also plenty of in-home air quality monitors that you can purchase, just be sure the ones you are looking at specifically measure smoke pollution or particle pollution.

When also else fails: use your own senses. If you can see, smell or even taste smoke, it's a sure bet that you should proceed with caution. Staying inside with clean, recirculated air is the best option. Be sure to routinely change out your home or business' HVAC filters and check your car's cabin filter.

If you need to be outside, an N95 or KN-95 mask can provide some protection.

| MORE | KCRA 3 Fire Threat Index: Track fire conditions across Northern California regions

Here's how to check California air quality conditions where you are

Pollution from wildfire smoke can have short and long-term health impacts, even in moderate amounts

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