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For those tracking wildfire air quality: AQI can be misleading because the AQI model may be too slow to update, there isn't a sensor near you etc.
I recommend getting an air quality monitor that measures PM2.5. This will give you a better sense of local air quality in realtime.
PM2.5 measures small particles in wildfire smoke that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, and cause serious long-term health problems. A PM2.5 sensor is a useful tool to keep track of this risk as wildfires are active.
@luckytran@med-mastodon.comPM2.5 does not measure volatile organic compounds, which are much smaller toxic substances that can be found in wildfire smoke, particularly as it reacts to the urban environment. Unfortunately it is much harder to track VOCs with consumer-grade equipment.
However, having a PM2.5 sensor will give you a general sense of air quality, measuring one of the most prevalent harmful substances in wildfire smoke. It will give you an understanding of if the smoke is drifting into your location.
As we are learning, winds can change quickly, and increase risk suddenly, so it's helpful to have a tool that can keep up by tracking air quality locally, and in real-time like a PM2.5 sensor.
As always, apply the precautionary principle, and wear the best mask you have access to when you are at risk of exposure to wildfire smoke.
@luckytran
The life expectancy fer firefighters must reduced greatly
by the toxins in todays smoke as opposed to 100 years ago. Good Golly!
@luckytran
Re tracking VOCs, the air quality monitor I mentioned earlier measures TVOC as well as PM2.5