Air Quality
Managing Air Quality and Fine Dust
When air quality is poor, your airways and eyes are the first to feel it. Even "it's just a quick errand" trips add up over the day. Here's a set of practical habits covering whether to go out at all, mask use, ventilation, and what to do once you get home.
Updated: July 22, 2026
How to read the air quality scale
Air quality is usually reported as good, moderate, unhealthy, or very unhealthy, and the numbers can shift by time of day and location even within the same day. Once it hits unhealthy, cutting back outdoor exposure is the baseline move, and sensitive groups should stay alert even at the moderate level. Checking both the forecast and real-time readings makes it easier to pick a good window for ventilating your home and for heading outside.
- Check air quality for both where you live and where you're headed before leaving
- Cut back on outdoor exercise or walks once conditions hit unhealthy or worse
- Avoid leaving windows open for long stretches if there's wind or dust blowing in from a particular direction
- Readings can change through the day, so check both morning and afternoon separately
When conditions are unhealthy or worse
The baseline is to cut down on time outdoors. If you absolutely need to go out, wear a proper protective mask and postpone anything strenuous. Contact lenses tend to dry out your eyes more on these days, so glasses are the better choice. A mask only works if it seals snugly around your nose and chin — if you find yourself short of breath, don't push through it, head indoors instead.
- Cut back on unnecessary outdoor activity and intense exercise
- Wear a proper filtering mask (like KF94) sealed snugly around your nose and chin
- Swap contacts for glasses and use artificial tears to manage dry eyes
- Keep windows closed for longer stretches and minimize time spent outside
- Swap high-exertion activities like cycling or jogging for an indoor alternative
At home and at the office
Ventilation still matters, but on bad air days it's better done briefly and at the right time. An air purifier helps, and checking the filter regularly keeps it effective. Once you're home, wash your hands and face and shake dust off your outer layer. When cleaning, pairing a damp mop with the vacuum works better than vacuuming alone, since it keeps dust from getting kicked back into the air.
- Run an air purifier and check its filter on a regular schedule
- Ventilate briefly, timed to whenever air quality is a bit better
- Wash your hands and face when you get home, and shake off or launder your outer layer
- Favor damp mopping over aggressive vacuuming to avoid stirring dust back up
- Ventilate alongside activities that add indoor pollution, like cooking or smoking
A note for sensitive groups
Children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should err on the side of caution. If coughing or tightness in the chest worsens, stop your outdoor activity and consult a doctor if needed. Schools, daycares, and care facilities often have their own criteria for outdoor activity, so parents and guardians should check the day's guidance.
- Stop outdoor activity if symptoms appear — coughing, chest tightness, stinging eyes
- Consult a clinic or public health center if needed
- Check ahead of time whether schools or daycares plan outdoor activities
- If you take regular medication, review your prescription and dosage guidance as well
Recovery routine after being outside
On bad air days, what you do after coming inside matters as much as what you did outside. Shaking off your outer layer at the entrance, washing your hands, face, and around your nose, and staying hydrated afterward all help reduce irritation. If your throat feels scratchy or your eyes feel gritty, hold off on any additional outdoor trips.
- Shake dust off your clothes and bag at the door, then wash your hands right away
- Switch from contacts to glasses, or give your eyes a rest
- Rehydrate with lukewarm water and avoid dusty, irritating environments
- If symptoms persist for more than a day, consider checking with a professional