New York State Air Quality Hotline: (800) 535-1345

If you would like to be notified when daily air quality reaches a level of your choice, you can sign up for Enviroflash at enviroflash.info.

Air Quality Index (AQI) Values Air Quality Index (AQI) Values Levels of Health Concern Cautionary Statement Daily AQI Color Level of Concern Index Values What does this mean for me? What actions should I take? Green Good 0 - 50 Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. It's a great day to be outside. Yellow Moderate 51 - 100 Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are very sensitive to air pollution. Very sensitive individuals may experience health effects and should consider limiting outdoor activities. For most people without health conditions, it's a great day to be outside. Orange Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101 - 150 Members of sensitive groups* may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. Sensitive groups* should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath and follow your health care provider's action plan. Red Unhealthy 151 - 200 Some members of the general public may experience negative health effects. Members of sensitive groups* may experience more serious health effects. Everyone should reduce long or intense outdoor activities. Take more breaks. Sensitive groups* should move activities indoors** or reschedule outdoor events for another day. If outdoor activity is unavoidable, take frequent breaks and move indoors** if symptoms occur. Purple Very Unhealthy 201 - 300 The risks of negative health effects is increased for everyone. Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Move indoors.** Follow specific Air Quality Health Advisory guidance. Maroon Hazardous 301 and higher Emergency conditions: everyone is likely to be negatively affected. Remain indoors** and sensitive groups* should keep all physical activity levels low indoors. Follow specific Air Quality Health Advisory guidance.

*Sensitive groups: these groups include children and teens, the elderly, pregnant people, those with lung or heart conditions, asthmatics, those who exercise or work outdoors, and those in disadvantaged communities.

**During high-heat air pollution events, seek indoor locations with air conditioning or go to a cooling center.

Source: EPA

Back to Top of Page