Indoor and outdoor air quality are important for our health and the health of the Earth. Using too much electricity, wasting water, and driving in cars can pollute the air around us. Sometimes things in our homes, like paint or air fresheners, can pollute the air too. We all have the power to improve the air quality around us!
Now let's collect and analyze some data.
The Air Quality Index measures how clean or polluted the air is outside. The higher the number of the Air Quality Index, the greater the level of air pollution. More air pollution can be bad for your health.
Use a computer to visit https://www.airnow.gov and enter your zip code to see the Air Quality Index in your neighborhood. Ask your teacher or family member if you don’t know your zip code.
Investigate your home and record your observations below to determine how clean your indoor air quality is at home. Ask an adult if you need any help.
Some gases in your home are hard to see, but they can be monitored to be sure you are safe. Fill in the chart below to mark if your home has a detector for that gas.
DetectorYesNo
Ask an adult to help you find the air filter that is used to help clean the air in our house. Mark if you do not have one, or if it is clean or dirty.