Live AQI For West Union Illinois

📖 What Each Pollutant Tells You

Each pollutant plays a unique role in determining air quality. Here's what the values above actually mean for your health and environment:

• 🌫 PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter): Microscopic particles that go deep into the lungs. Long exposure can worsen asthma, heart issues, and respiratory illnesses.
  Safe: 0–30 | Caution: 31–60 | Hazard: 90+
• 🌬 PM10 (Coarse Particulates): Larger dust and pollen particles. Can irritate the eyes, throat, and cause coughing or short breath.
  Safe: 0–50 | Moderate: 51–100 | Poor: 101+
• 💨 NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide): A key traffic-related pollutant. High levels are linked to reduced lung function and increased hospital visits.
  Safe: 0–40 μg/m³ | Moderate: 41–80 | Risky: 81+
• 🛢 CO (Carbon Monoxide): Released from incomplete combustion (vehicles, stoves). In high concentrations, it limits oxygen to vital organs.
  Safe: 0–1 mg/m³ | Elevated: 1.1–2 | Unsafe: 2.1+
• ☀️ O₃ (Ozone): Formed by chemical reactions in sunlight. While good in the upper atmosphere, ground-level O₃ is harmful to lungs.
  Acceptable: 0–50 | Moderate: 51–100 | Dangerous: 101+
• 🏭 SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide): Produced by burning coal or oil. Short-term exposure irritates the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term effects can damage lungs.
  Safe: 0–40 | Moderate: 41–80 | Risky: 81+