Overview
Air quality can cause or exacerbate breathing and heart problems. This site provides guidance regarding the air quality index and what actions can be taken to stay safe.
For more information regarding outdoor air quality, please visit the resources provided by the EPA and the DC Government. You can also sign up for AlertDC notifications and download the AirNow Mobile app.
Air Quality and Health
Ozone pollution is caused when pollutants from vehicles, industries and power plants combine with products such as solvents and paints. Sensitive groups include people with lung diseases (e.g., asthma), children and teenagers, older adults and people who work or exercise outside. According to the EPA, ozone pollution can cause coughing, irritation or a burning sensation in the throat. It can reduce lung function and cause feelings of chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath.
Particle pollution is caused by particles from power plants, industrial processes, vehicle tailpipes, wood stoves, wildfires, crushing and grinding processes, road dust and some agricultural operations. According to the EPA, particle pollution can cause problems for older adults and people with heart or lung disease, and may contribute to illnesses resulting in increased hospital and emergency room visits. In healthy people, it can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, phlegm and shortness of breath.
Wildfire smoke is a form of particle pollution and may cause eye and respiratory issues (e.g., burning eyes, runny nose, bronchitis) or exasperate chronic heart and lung problems. The EPA recommends N95 respirator masks for protection and limiting time spent outdoors, especially for intense activities when it looks or smells smoky outside.
It is important to consider the air quality index (AQI) when planning outdoor activities and consider altering plans, such as moving the time of day of planned activities to when the ozone level is lower, decreasing the duration of the activity or consider exercising indoors.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The AQI was created by the EPA to communicate the level of air pollution and when groups of individuals may experience health impacts.
| Air Quality Index | Who should be concerned? | What should I do? |
|---|---|---|
| Good (0-50) | It’s a great day to be outside. | It’s a great day to be outside. |
| Moderate (51-100) | People who are unusually sensitive to ozone or particle pollution. | Unusually sensitive people should consider making outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Monitor for symptoms, including cough or shortness of breath. For everyone else, it’s a great day to be outside. |
| Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150) | Sensitive groups for ozone or particle pollution include people with lung disease, older adults, children, teenagers and people active or working outdoors. Additional sensitive groups for particle pollution include people with heart disease and pregnant women. | For ozone or particle-sensitive groups, activities should be shorter and less intense. Symptoms to watch out for include coughing and shortness of breath. Groups sensitive to ozone can plan outdoor activities in the morning when ozone is lower. Groups sensitive to particle pollution who have heart disease should watch for palpitations, shortness of breath and unusual fatigue. Everyone else can consider making outdoor activities shorter and less intense. |
| Unhealthy (151-200) | Everyone | Groups sensitive to either ozone or particle pollution can consider moving activities indoors. Groups sensitive to ozone pollution should not do long or intense outdoor activities. Outdoor activity may be scheduled in the morning when ozone is lower. Groups sensitive to particle pollution should avoid long or intense outdoor activities and consider rescheduling. Everyone else should reduce long or intense activities, take more breaks and consider scheduling activities in the morning when ozone is lower. |
| Very Unhealthy (201-300) | Everyone | Groups sensitive to ozone or particle pollution should avoid outdoor physical activity. Indoor activities can be done if air conditioning is available. Everyone else should avoid long or intense outdoor exertion, and can consider outdoor activities in the morning when the ozone is lower. Indoor activities can be done if air conditioning is available. |
| Hazardous (301-500) | Everyone | Everyone should avoid all outdoor physical activity. |
Tips for Staying Safe
Pay attention to AQI forecasts via TV, radio or apps such as AirNow Mobile or AlertDC. Monitor the AQI when planning outdoor activities.
Adjust outdoor activities based on your individual situation and specific air quality metrics to decrease exposure and risk for symptoms.
Where to Seek Medical Care
Students who experience moderate, severe or persistent symptoms should contact the Student Health Center at 202-687-2200 or their health care provider. Staff and faculty should contact their primary health care provider. In the event of a medical emergency on the Hilltop Campus, call GUPD/GERMS at (202) 687-4343; on the Capitol Campus, call CCDPS at (202) 662-9325; if off campus, call 911.
Contact
Georgetown’s Office of Environmental Health & Safety offers Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessments of your work environment. If you are interested in having an assessment done, please complete this form. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Environmental Health & Safety at gu-ehs@georgetown.edu or the Public Health team at publichealth@georgetown.edu.