Air Quality Guidelines for Hiking
When exercising or working outdoors, you breathe faster and deeper, potentially inhaling more air pollution. Knowing when it is safe to be active outdoors is crucial for your health.
When to Exercise/Work Outdoors
- AQI 0-50 (Good): Safe for all activities
- AQI 51-100 (Moderate): Generally safe, sensitive individuals take caution
- AQI 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive): Reduce intense activities
- AQI 151+ (Unhealthy): Avoid prolonged outdoor exertion
Best Times of Day
Early morning typically has the best air quality before traffic builds up and ozone forms. Evening can also be good once ozone decreases after sunset.
Protection Tips
- Check the AQI before heading outdoors
- Choose routes away from busy roads when possible
- Consider wearing an N95 mask on poor air quality days
- Move activities indoors when AQI is elevated