Poor Air Quality’s Impact on Your Health
Learn about air quality index values and protect your skeleton from oxidative stress.
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You may have heard mention of the air quality index during the weather report, usually in relation to outdoor activity — and next time make sure you pay attention.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open revealed that air pollution was associated with low bone-mineral density, low bone mass and reduced bone-mineral content. Inhaling polluted air causes oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are associated with bone demineralization and osteoporosis. When air quality is unhealthy, move your exercise inside or train early in the morning or later at night when traffic and pollution are lowest.
| Air Quality Index (AQI Values) | Levels of Health Concern |
| 0 to 50 | Good |
| 51 to 100 | Moderate |
| 101 to 150 | Unhealthy for sensitive groups |
| 151 to 200 | Unhealthy |
| 201 to 300 | Very Unhealthy |
| 301 to 500 | Hazardous |