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How air quality affects your health
Learn about what the Air Quality Index is, and how it impacts your health.
General HealthClinically Speaking
3 min read
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The Air Quality Index (AQI) (opens in new tab) is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s method of measurement for reporting air quality ranging from 0 to 500 - the higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and health concern. For example, air quality is considered good from 0 - 50, and ‘moderate’ from 51 - 100. Once the AQI measures 101, it’s considered unhealthy for sensitive groups (opens in new tab), such as people with lung disease, children and older adults. Air quality levels are typically within a healthy range in the U.S. and are measured regularly by the EPA, but like the weather, air quality can affect our daily lives and change from day to day.
What are the health effects of poor air quality? The health effects of poor air quality and pollution can vary depending on the type of pollutant and the level of exposure. Some of the most common health effects of poor air quality in the short term include:
Headaches
Fatigue
Chest tightness and shortness of breath
Itchy eyes
Long term health effects can include respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Cardiovascular problems can also develop, as air pollution and poor air quality over time can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks.
How can I protect my health from poor air quality?
We recommend the following safety guidance for children and adults who may be impacted, due to pre-existing health conditions:
Stay indoors as much as possible, especially if the air quality index rating is "Unhealthy" or worse.
Keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor air from entering in while you are indoors or during your commute.
Utilize air purifiers or air conditioners with filtration within indoor spaces.
Reduce your exposure: If the AQI is high, try to stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outside, wear a mask that can filter out pollutants, like an N95 or well-fitting surgical mask to filter out harmful particles.
Avoid or postpone any unnecessary outdoor physical activities.
Stay informed: Check the air quality index (AQI) in your area to see how the air quality is affecting your health. Be especially careful when the range is greater than 150.
Air quality is an important issue that can have a significant impact on our health. By taking steps to protect ourselves from poor air quality, we can help to improve our health and well-being.
Not feeling well, or want to check in with an urgent care visit?
If you need help finding a doctor, want to review what’s covered by your plan, or need to take a virtual urgent care visit, just call your Oscar Care team. They can help you compile a list of questions to ask your doctor and avoid common mistakes. Give us a call at 855-672-2755, or message us in the Oscar app (opens in new tab).
*For 2023, Oscar Primary Care is available in TX (excluding Secure plans), NY (excluding Standard Silver, Standard Bronze, and Secure plans), FL, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, and Broward (excluding HSA and Secure plans), AZ (excluding HSA and Secure plans), GA (excluding HSA and Secure plans) Oscar Primary Care providers are employed by Oscar Medical Group, not Oscar Insurance Company or its insurance plan affiliates. Oscar Primary Care is only available to members 18 years of age and older. Prescriptions, visits and services may be limited at the provider's discretion and Oscar Primary Care is not intended to be used in conjunction with another primary care consultation. Oscar Care in-person visits in conjunction with your virtual visit may have a copayment. Due to medical licensing laws, you must be in your home state at the time of your virtual visit. Oscar’s Virtual Urgent Care offerings are not available in US territories or internationally. If you have an HSA-compatible high-deductible health plan or a Secure plan, you won't be eligible for $0 visits. Prescriptions, visits and services may be limited per provider discretion.
