US AQI guide
AQI 201–300: Very Unhealthy
Health alert: the risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
Who is at risk
Everyone. Sensitive groups face a significant risk.
What to do at AQI 201–300
Walking and commuting
LimitOnly essential trips. Wear a well-fitted N95 or FFP2 mask outdoors.
Running and jogging
AvoidRun indoors only, with windows closed.
Cycling
AvoidAvoid riding outdoors.
Children playing outside
AvoidKeep children indoors. Cancel outdoor sports and assemblies.
Older adults and heart or lung conditions
AvoidStay indoors with filtered air.
Open windows
AvoidKeep windows and doors closed.
Mask outdoors
EssentialN95 or FFP2 mask strongly advised for any time outdoors.
Air purifier indoors
EssentialRun a HEPA purifier on high with windows closed.
Based on the US EPA Air Quality Guide, applied to the current US AQI category. If you have symptoms, follow your doctor's advice.
At home, school and work
- Stay in a room with filtered air as much as you can.
- Wear a well-fitted N95 or FFP2 mask for any time outdoors.
- Postpone outdoor errands and exercise.
- Check on older relatives and anyone with heart or lung disease.
On other scales
When PM2.5 drives the reading (125 to 225 µg/m³), this is Very Poor on India's NAQI. China's MEE index uses the same breakpoints as the US for its headline number but different pollutant tables, so values are usually lower.
Cities at AQI 201–300 right now
US AQI- Kabupaten Barito KualaIndonesia269
- PekanbaruIndonesia263
- Kabupaten KapuasIndonesia244
- Kabupaten MorowaliIndonesia244
- Kabupaten Ogan IlirIndonesia244
- Kabupaten Aceh TengahIndonesia228
- MandideepIndia227
- Kabupaten TeboIndonesia223
- KotabaruIndonesia222
- PontianakIndonesia212
- Kabupaten BengkalisIndonesia211
- Kabupaten KamparIndonesia204
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to run outside at AQI 251?
Run indoors only, with windows closed.
Can children play outside at AQI 251?
Keep children indoors. Cancel outdoor sports and assemblies.
Should I wear a mask at AQI 251?
N95 or FFP2 mask strongly advised for any time outdoors.
Who is at risk at AQI 201 to 300?
Everyone. Sensitive groups face a significant risk.
What is AQI 201 to 300 on India's scale?
When PM2.5 drives the reading (125 to 225 µg/m³), this is Very Poor on India's NAQI.