Saharan dust that arrived in Florida over the weekend may be helping keep the tropics quiet, but it can also reduce air quality across the Sunshine State.
No location in Florida has an air quality that is considered unhealthy as of 1:30 p.m. Monday. The air quality is considered moderate across most of the state, although there are some locations — especially in the Panhandle and some areas scattered around the state — with a good air quality.
➤ Interactive map: Check air quality where you live
The number of areas with good air quality has been steadily increasing since this morning.
Here's how to check the air quality where you live.
What is the air quality in Florida today?
What are the greatest threats to air quality? How to read the air quality map
Ground-level ozone and particle pollution — which is the PM2.5 and PM10 in the map above — are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country, according to AirNow.
"Fine particles — known as PM2.5 — pose the greatest problems because they can get deep into your lungs and some may even get into your bloodstream."
"Particles less than 10 micrometers — PM10 — include both fine and coarse dust particles that can pass through the nose and throat and get into your lungs."
What is the Air Quality Index?
The Air Quality Index tells you how clean or polluted your air is and what associated health effects might be a concern.
"The index focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air," according to AirNow.gov.
The five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act are:
- Ground-level ozone
- Particle pollution (also known as particulate matter)
- Carbon monoxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
Who should monitor air quality? Who is most at risk?
Air pollution can make it harder for people with asthma and other respiratory (breathing) diseases to breathe, the Centers for Disease Control said.
"Particle pollution has been linked to heart attacks and strokes, and even death in people with heart disease."
Even healthy people should monitor air quality.
If the air quality is orange — which would be considered unhealthy for sensitive groups — the air quality could hurt if you're a runner, the CDC said.
"Using the AQI (Air Quality Index), you can plan your run for when ozone levels will be lower, shorten your run or walk instead, or run on a treadmill indoors."
Should you wear a mask if the air quality is poor?
For adults, NIOSH N95 or P100 masks have been shown to filter particles and improve the quality of the air being inhaled, according to AirNow. The masks must fit properly or they're ineffective.
Respirator masks can be effective in reducing exposure to smoke particles, but should only be used after first implementing other, more effective methods, including staying indoors with doors and windows closed, reducing activity, and using HEPA air cleaners indoors to reduce overall smoke exposure.
People with respiratory or heart conditions should consult with their healthcare professional prior to wearing a respirator mask, AirNow said.
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