In all of our Saharan Dust forecasts, we use the Air Quality Index (AQI) to quickly surmise the possible impacts on the population.
What is the Air Quality Index?
The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is and what associated health effects might concern you.
The AQI focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. The Air Quality Index is calculated using the five major air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
For each of these pollutants, there are established national air quality standards to protect public health worldwide. Generally, particulate matter, specifically PM2.5 and PM10, are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country due to Saharan Dust surges.
The national standard for Particulate Matter (PM) of diameter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) is 65 µg/m3, and PM of diameter ≤10 µm (PM10) is 75 µg/m3 for Trinidad and Tobago.
In Trinidad and Tobago, note that our largest driver in air quality change is surges of Saharan Dust year-round. However, other local features can determine air quality, such as forest/bush fires, chemical fires, waste disposal fires, other effects from landfill areas, traffic congestion, and surface winds (or lack thereof).
While most ambient air quality monitoring stations across Trinidad and Tobago are generally placed in areas to avoid these localized effects, changes in air quality can be highly localized depending on surrounding features.
A good example of this is the ambient air quality monitoring station at the WASA Beetham Waste Water Treatment Plant. This station, run by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), is located directly downwind of the Beetham Landfill, with numerous fires throughout the year. Beyond fires, chemicals and other air pollutants emanating from the landfill may be detected as unhealthy to even hazardous for that local area. Depending on wind direction, it does not mean that hazardous air quality would occur in the capital near Port of Spain.
How does the AQI work?
Think of the AQI as a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern.
For example, an AQI value of 50 represents good air quality with little potential to affect public health, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality.
An AQI value of 100 generally corresponds to the national air quality standard for the pollutant, which is the level EMA (T&T) and EPA (U.S) have set to protect public health.
AQI values below 100 are generally thought of as satisfactory. When AQI values are above 100, air quality is considered unhealthy at first for certain sensitive groups of people, then for everyone as AQI values get higher.
Understanding the Air Quality Index
The purpose of the AQI is to help you understand what local air quality means to your health. To make it easier to understand, the AQI is divided into six categories:
- “Good” AQI is 0 to 50. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- “Moderate” AQI is 51 to 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants, there may be a moderate health concern for a minimal number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms.
- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” AQI is 101 to 150. Although the general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range. People with lung disease, older adults, and children are at greater risk from exposure to ozone, and people with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.
- “Unhealthy” AQI is 151 to 200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
- “Very Unhealthy” AQI is 201 to 300. This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.
- “Hazardous” AQI is greater than 300. This would trigger a health warning of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
The Trinidad and Tobago standards by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) for PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations slightly differ from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Good Air Quality
AQI – 0 to 50
What does this mean for you?
Air quality is considered satisfactory at this level, and air pollution poses little or no risk to public health. It’s a great day to be active outside.
Who needs to be concerned?
No one.
What should you do?
Sensitive Groups: Sensitive groups, children, and the elderly do not need special protection.
Air purification: It is recommended to run an air purifier in auto-mode to react to air quality changes automatically.
Ventilation: It is suitable for ventilation.
Masks: No masks are needed.
Outdoor Activity: Very suitable for outdoor exercise and activities.
Moderate Air Quality
AQI – 51 to 100
What does this mean for you?
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.
Who needs to be concerned?
Unusually sensitive people: Consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easy.
Everyone else: It’s a good day to be active outside.
What should you do?
Sensitive Groups: Sensitive groups such as those with respiratory ailments, children, and the elderly are advised to reduce outdoor physical exertion and reduce the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
Air purification: At this level, the air is slightly polluted. It is recommended to turn on your air purifier, running at a low level, at a minimum.
Ventilation: Please close windows, as the air is slightly polluted.
Masks: Wearing a mask during outdoor activity is recommended, particularly in areas with heavy traffic.
Outdoor Activity: It is recommended to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
AQI – 101 to 150
What does this mean for you?
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. There is an increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease, and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease & the elderly.
Who needs to be concerned?
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers.
What should you do?
Sensitive groups: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. It’s OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy.
If you have heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider.
Air purification: At this level, the air is polluted. Turn on your air purifier, running at a high level.
Ventilation: Please close doors and windows, as the air is polluted.
Masks: Wearing a mask during outdoor activity is recommended, particularly in areas with heavy traffic.
Outdoor Activity: It is recommended to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
Unhealthy Air Quality
AQI – 151 to 200
What does this mean for you?
Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Increased aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; increased respiratory effects in the general population. Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone.
What should you do?
Sensitive groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Move activities indoors or reschedule to a time when the air quality is better.
Everyone else: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities.
Air purification: At this level, the air is highly polluted. Turn on your air purifier, running at a high level.
Ventilation: Please close all doors and windows. Ventilation is not recommended.
Masks: Wearing a mask during outdoor activity is recommended, particularly in areas with heavy traffic.
Outdoor Activity: It is recommended to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
Very Unhealthy Air Quality
AQI – 201 to 300
What does this mean for you?
Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.
There will be a significant aggravation of heart or lung disease & premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly. A significant increase in respiratory effects in the general population is expected.
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone.
What should you do?
Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Move activities indoors or reschedule to a time when air quality is better.
Everyone else: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling to a time when air quality is better.
Air purification: At this level, the air is very polluted. Turn on your air purifier, running at a high level.
Ventilation: Please close all doors and windows. Ventilation is not recommended.
Masks: The air is very polluted. Concentrations of one or many pollutants are high. Masks are necessary for any outdoor activity, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
Outdoor Activity: It is recommended to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
Hazardous Air Quality
AQI – 301 – 500
What does this mean for you?
Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
There will be a serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly. In addition, there will be a serious risk of respiratory effects in the general population.
Who needs to be concerned?
Everyone.
What should you do?
Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Follow tips for keeping particle levels low indoors.
Air purification: At this level, the air is hazardous. Turn on your air purifier, running at a high level.
Ventilation: Please close all doors and windows. Ventilation is not recommended.
Masks: The air is hazardous to public health. Concentrations of one or many pollutants are high. Masks are necessary for any outdoor activity, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
Outdoor Activity: It is recommended to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
Particle Pollution (Saharan Dust)
Particle pollution comes from many different types of sources. Fine particles (2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller) include power plants, industrial processes, vehicle tailpipes, woodstoves, and wildfires.
Coarse particles (between 2.5 and 10 micrometers) come from crushing and grinding operations, road dust, and some agricultural operations.
These particles are transported across from the Saharan Desert, the Atlantic Ocean, to our shores year-round as Saharan Dust, bringing a myriad of problems to those included in sensitive groups. Also, landfill and bush fires contribute to this particulate pollution across Trinidad and Tobago.
Particle pollution is linked to several health problems, including coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes. It also is linked to an early death. (EPA)
Should I Be Concerned?
While it’s always wise to pay attention to air quality where you live, some people may be at greater risk from particle pollution. They include:
- People with cardiovascular disease (diseases of the heart and blood vessels)
- People with lung diseases, including asthma and COPD
- Children and teenagers
- Older adults
- Research indicates that obesity or diabetes may increase risk.
- New or expectant mothers may also want to take precautions to protect the health of their babies.
How can I protect myself?
Use Saharan Dust AQI forecasts to plan outdoor activities. On days when the AQI forecast is unhealthy, take simple steps to reduce your exposure:
- Choose a less-strenuous activity.
- Shorten your outdoor activities.
- Reschedule activities.
- Spend less time near busy roads.
When particle levels are high outdoors, they can be high indoors – unless the building has a good filtration system.
Keep particles lower indoors:
- Eliminate tobacco smoke.
- Reduce your use of wood stoves and fireplaces.
- Use HEPA air filters and air cleaners designed to reduce particles.
- Don’t burn candles.
Can I help reduce particle pollution?
Yes! Here are a few tips.
- Drive less: carpool, use public transportation, bike or walk.
- Choose ENERGY STAR appliances.
- Set air conditioning controls higher in warmer weather and lower in cooler weather.
- Don’t burn leaves, garbage, plastic, or rubber.
- Keep the car, boat, and other engines tuned.
