1
Engage
The Burden of Bad Air
Duration
45 minutes
Type
Engage
Standards
MS-ESS3-3, 7.SP.A.2
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Describe the global health burden of air pollution
- Interpret Air Quality Index (AQI) categories and health recommendations
- Compare air quality across different locations
- Explain why air quality is a public health priority
The Numbers Are Staggering
7 million
deaths per year from air pollution worldwide
#4
leading risk factor for death globally
99%
of world population breathes air exceeding WHO guidelines
25 million
Americans have asthma (many triggered by air quality)
The Air Quality Index (AQI)
The AQI is a scale from 0-500 that tells you how clean or polluted the air is:
| AQI | Level | Color | Health Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50 | Good | Green | Air quality is satisfactory |
| 51-100 | Moderate | Yellow | Acceptable; sensitive groups may be affected |
| 101-150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Orange | Sensitive groups should reduce outdoor exertion |
| 151-200 | Unhealthy | Red | Everyone may experience health effects |
| 201-300 | Very Unhealthy | Purple | Health alert; everyone may experience serious effects |
| 301-500 | Hazardous | Maroon | Emergency conditions; entire population affected |
Who Are "Sensitive Groups"?
People with Health Conditions
- Asthma
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
Age Groups
- Children (lungs still developing)
- Elderly (weaker defenses)
- Pregnant women (fetus vulnerable)
Activity Level
- Athletes and outdoor workers
- Anyone exercising outdoors
- Higher breathing rate = more exposure
Genetic Factors
- Some people are naturally more sensitive
- Family history of respiratory problems
- Allergies and sensitivities
Real-World Air Quality Comparison
Average annual PM2.5 concentrations (in μg/m³):
| Location | PM2.5 | vs. WHO Guideline (5 μg/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, Alaska | 4 | Meets guideline |
| Los Angeles, California | 12 | 2.4× guideline |
| Beijing, China (good day) | 35 | 7× guideline |
| Delhi, India (average) | 100+ | 20× guideline |
| Wildfire smoke event | 200-500+ | 40-100× guideline |
Activity: Check Your Local AQI
Investigation:
- Visit airnow.gov or search "[your city] air quality"
- Find today's AQI for your location
- Identify the main pollutant (PM2.5, ozone, etc.)
- Read the health recommendations
Discussion Questions:
- What is today's AQI where you live?
- What color category does it fall into?
- Should anyone modify their activities based on today's air quality?
- Has your area ever experienced "Unhealthy" or worse air quality? When?
Why This Matters to You
- School attendance: High pollution days increase absences
- Sports: Air quality affects athletic performance and safety
- Long-term health: Childhood exposure affects adult lung function
- Academic performance: Studies link air quality to cognitive function
- Indoor time: We spend 90% of time indoors—indoor air quality matters too!
Key Takeaway
Air pollution is a major global health problem, causing millions of deaths each year. The Air Quality Index helps us understand daily air quality and who should take precautions. Sensitive groups—including children—are affected at lower pollution levels than healthy adults. Understanding AQI helps us make informed decisions about outdoor activities and protecting our health.