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Poor Air Quality (Wildfire Smoke)

Wildfire Study to Advance Science Partnerships for Indoor Reductions of Smoke Exposures | US EPA

Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an index created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to report daily air quality. It is a measure of the level of air pollution within a specific area; the higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the associated health risks. The AQI is divided into six categories, with values ranging from 0-500. Each category has its own color, allowing you to quickly determine the current air quality in your community. 

The Air Quality Index can be accessed at https://www.airnow.gov/

AQI Chart

California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5141.1

Scope.

  1. This section applies to workplaces where:
    1. The current Air Quality Index (current AQI) for PM2.5 is 151 or greater, regardless of the AQI for other pollutants; and
    2. The employer should reasonably anticipate that employees may be exposed to wildfire smoke.

Appendix B - Protection from Wildfire Smoke Information to be Provided to Employees

  • The health effects of wildfire smoke
  • An N95 filtering facepiece respirator is the minimum level of protection from wildfire smoke
  • How employees can obtain the current Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5
  • The requirements in Title 8, section 5141.1 about wildlife smoke
  • The benefits and limitations of using a respirator when exposed to wildfire smoke
  • How to properly put on, use, and maintain the respirators provided by the employer 

Acceptable Respiratory Protection Equipment Includes (AQI 151+)

  • N95
  • N99
  • N100
  • R95
  • P95
  • P99
  • P100