Keep practical smoke-season actions within reach—from AQI reference cards and clean-air checklists to family, child, pet, hydration, and return-home guides.
Download, save, or print practical reference sheets for smoky days and wildfire preparation.
The Air Quality Index is EPA's color-coded tool for communicating outdoor air quality and possible health concern. Higher numbers mean greater concern. The AQI covers five major pollutants, and the pollutant producing the highest value usually drives the number you see. During wildfire smoke, PM2.5 is often the main concern. Use current AQI for decisions now, forecasts for planning, and official local alerts for emergency instructions.
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and particles from vegetation, structures, vehicles, and other materials. Fine particles can travel deep into the lungs and affect people far from the fire. Anyone can feel sick, while children, pregnant people, older adults, outdoor workers, and people with heart, lung, kidney, or other chronic conditions may need stronger precautions. No tea, food, steam treatment, or supplement removes inhaled smoke; cleaner air and appropriate medical care are the priorities.
