Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a national standard used to report the level of air pollution based on the 6 criteria pollutants. Since 2006, Lake County has had over 75% of days rated as good air quality.

AQI Categories
  • Good AQI is 0-50. Air Quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
  • Moderate AQI is 51-100. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number people.
  • Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI is 101-150. Sensitive groups are affected at these AQI range, the general public is not likely to be affected. Sensitive groups consist of:
    • Children
    • Older Adults
    • People with heart disease
    • People with lung disease
  • Unhealthy AQI is 151-200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.

Lake County 2007-2013 Percent of Days - Air Quality Index Category

Year Good Moderate Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups
 Unhealthy
2007 78.6% 20.5% 0.8% 0.0%
2008 80.6% 19.4% 0.0% 0.0%
2009 78.1% 21.1% 0.8% 0.0%
2010 78.6% 20.3% 1.1% 0.0%
2011 77.3% 21.1% 1.6% 0.0%
2012 78.4% 16.4% 4.6% 0.0%
2013 78.6% 20.8% 0.5% 0.0%

Source:

Illinois Annual Air Quality Report 2007-2013