What You Need To Know About PSI

We regularly receive PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) forecasts but there are others who do not understand it. They just go about their daily lives without bothering to check the PSI. You should be aware that PSI is developed by USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency). They developed a system that will effectively supply precise, apt and clear information pertaining to air pollution levels day by day.

The pollutants that are used in determining PSI index include ozone, sulphur, nitrogen and carbon dioxide and PM10. It is the monitoring stations scattered strategically in different parts of the city that measure these pollutants. They will release PSI value vis-à-vis PSI descriptor.

PSI Value and PSI Descriptor

PSI Value is from 0 to above 300. PSI descriptor is from Good to Hazardous. A PSI value corresponds to a PSI descriptor. 0-50 PSI value means ‘Good’, 51-100 PSI value means ‘Moderate’, 101-200 PSI value means ‘Unhealthy’, 201-300 PSI value means ‘Very unhealthy’ and above 300 PSI value means ‘Hazardous’.

Health Advisory

Together with the PSI value and descriptor, a health advisory is released. Health advisory is the way of the government to warn and protect the public. Health advisories are based on the PSI. It will give recommendations to ‘healthy persons’, ‘elderly, pregnant women and children’ and ‘persons with chronic lung disease, heart disease or stroke’ the best thing to do. The health advisory will tell you the best time to wear your N95 masks.

The Effects of Haze

Many people take haze lightly but in truth, haze can cause major health risks. Prolonged exposure to haze can affect the lungs and heart especially to those who have chronic lung or heart disease. It can also irritate the throat, eyes and nose.