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1. Can I play and/or exercise outside during an air quality event?

Outdoor activity is not recommended when the air quality index is orange or higher.  With the AQI, the lower the number, the better and the colors are like a stoplight. 

• Green (0-50) is great air quality and a go for normal activity. 
• Yellow (51-100) is still good, but based on your sensitivity, you might want to think about your activity level.  
• Orange (101-150) and red (151-200) indicate air quality is poor and you should stop and think about the potential impacts of your activities on your health. Monitor for symptoms.
• Purple (201-300) indicates the air quality is very unhealthy and everyone is affected.
• Maroon (301-500) indicates the air quality is hazardous.

Find out what the current air quality index is at www.AspenAirQuality.com. 

2. I work outside. What should I do during an air quality event?

If you must work outside when the air quality is poor, take measures to protect yourself and your employees: 

• Wear an N95 or P100 mask.
• Hydrate.
• Limit heavy exertion.
• Take breaks inside a clean air environment.
• Make a clean air room at home.

3. Where can I find regional, state, and national air quality and smoke monitor data and analysis?

At EPA’s AirNow.

4. Where can I find information about protecting myself from wildfire smoke during the COVID-19 pandemic?

From the  Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

5. How can I tell if wildfire smoke will impact my vacation to Aspen?

The impacts of wildfire smoke on Aspen’s air quality can only be predicted for 1- 2 days. We recommend the following websites for more information about where smoke is moving and air quality levels:

• Regional and national information about wildfire smoke.
• Local information about air quality.
• Air quality forecasts.
• Air quality health advisories.
• Aspen Skiing Company webcams.

6. Should I still hike while on my trip in Aspen since there is wildfire smoke?

It is hard to predict if Aspen will be impacted by wildfire smoke during your visit. Unfortunately, summers in the west and across the nation are regularly impacted by wildfire smoke. The best thing to do is be prepared. We encourage you to speak with your doctor about the impacts of wildfire smoke based on your current health. 

You can find more information about wildfire smoke and air quality on the following websites:

• Regional and national information.
• Local information.
• Air quality forecasts.
• Vacationing in Aspen during the summer months.

7. How can I keep my indoor air quality clean during a smoke event?

Keep indoor air quality clean in your home by:

1. Limiting stovetop cooking for either gas or electric. 
2. Not burning candles. 
3. Limiting vacuuming during an air quality event; vacuums can put a lot of dust and particles in the air. 
4. Closing windows and doors when the smoke hinders you from seeing five miles away and/or AQI is orange.
5. Setting your air conditioning (AC) unit to “recirculate”.
6. Opening windows to ventilate once the smoke dissipates.