Air Quality

Check the AirNow interactive Fire and Smoke Map to find current air quality conditions in Berkeley and follow the tips on this page to protect your health when air quality is poor.

Air quality in Berkeley can be impacted by smoke from wildfires elsewhere.

Check the AirNow interactive Fire and Smoke Map to find current air quality conditions in Berkeley and follow the tips on this page to protect your health when air quality is poor. In all cases, make sure we can reach you in an emergency. Sign up for AC Alert.

Protect your health when air quality is poor

When air is unhealthy, the best option is to reduce physical activity and stay indoors with doors and windows closed.

Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Smoke can irritate your eyes and airways, cause cough, a dry scratchy throat, runny nose, trouble breathing, and irritate your sinuses.

When inside

Avoid behaviors that make air quality in your home worse:

Set air conditioning units to re-circulate so you don't bring outside air in.
Don't smoke, burn candles, or use incense.
Don't use gas, propane, or wood burning stoves. Avoid frying or broiling meat.
Avoid vacuuming.

Take precautions when outdoors

Minimize time outside as much as possible.

When you must go outside, don't rely on dust masks or bandanas for protection. They do nothing to protect against smoke particles.

Checking air quality conditions

The best source for up-to-date air quality information is the AirNow interactive Fire and Smoke Map, which is updated with readings from public and private air monitors throughout the Bay Area.

Air Quality ratings

The Air Quality Index (AQI) provides guidance on who should take precautions when.

AQI Range	Health Impact	What to do
Good 0-50	Air quality poses little or no risk.	It's a great day to be active outside.
Moderate 51-100	Air quality may pose a moderate health concern for very small numbers of people, such as those who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution.	Unusually sensitive people: Consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier. Everyone else: It's a good day to be active outside.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101-150	Air quality may pose risks to people with heart and lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant individuals.	Sensitive groups: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. It's OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy. If you have heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider.
Unhealthy 151-200	Everyone may begin to experience adverse health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.	Sensitive groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Move activities indoors or reschedule to a time when the air quality is better. Everyone else: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities.
Very Unhealthy 201-300	Everyone may experience more serious health effects.	Sensitive groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Move activities indoors or reschedule to a time when air quality is better. Everyone else: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling to a time when air quality is better.
Hazardous 301-500	Entire population is likely to be affected.	Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low.