Air Quality Index for Horses
Updated August 25, 2023 | By: Carolyn Hammer, DVM, PhD
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to measure the quality of air and is reported on a scale of 0-500. It is a measure that tells you how clean or polluted the air is. The official AQI by AirNow.Gov is geared toward people; however, the classifications have been extrapolated for use in horses in the table below.
Color:
Green
Index Value:
0-50
Level of Concern:
Good/Low
Horse Activity Level:
Regular work.
Color:
Yellow
Index Value:
51-100
Level of Concern:
Moderate
Horse Activity Level:
Regular work for healthy horses or light work for horses with respiratory health issues.
Color:
Orange
Index Value:
101-150
Level of Concern:
Unhealthy
Horse Activity Level:
Light work. Less work for horses with respiratory health issues.
Color:
Red
Index Value:
151-200
Level of Concern:
Unhealthy
Horse Activity Level:
Unhealthy for all horses. Slow walk or no work.
Color:
Purple
Index Value:
201-300
Level of Concern:
Very Unhealthy
Horse Activity Level:
No work.
Color:
Maroon
Index Value:
301 and up
Level of Concern:
Hazardous
Horse Activity Level:
No work.
SmartPak strongly encourages you to consult your veterinarian regarding specific questions about your horse's health. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, and is purely educational.