Air Quality in Outagamie County | AQI, Alerts & Health Tips
Check Today’s Air Quality
Air quality can change quickly, especially during wildfire smoke events, hot summer days, or winter inversions. Residents in Appleton and throughout Outagamie County can check current air quality conditions using trusted tools like AirNow or the Wisconsin DNR.
Not sure what the air quality is today? Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) to see if it’s safe to be outside.
Understanding Air Quality Health Advisories
Air Quality Health Advisories can be used to inform people about what they should do to protect themselves from harmful air pollutants.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) for reporting air quality.
Air Quality Resources
Air Quality Health Advisory Levels
Good (0-50)
Air quality is safe for everyone
Who should be concerned?
No one
What should I do?
It's a great day to be active outside.
Moderate (51-100)
Who should be concerned?
Acceptable, but some may be sensitive
What should I do?
Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150)
Who should be concerned?
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens.
What should I do?
Stay indoors or cut back on strenuous outdoor activities.
Have asthma? Follow your asthma action plan.
Keep quick relief medicine handy.
Before leaving your house and throughout the day, check air quality conditions.
Additional updates are available at AirNow.gov and guidance can be accessed in the Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution.
Unhealthy (151-200)
Who should be concerned?
Everyone
What should I do?
Everyone should keep outdoor activities light and short.
Watch for symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath as a sign to take a break or move indoors.
Sensitive groups, which include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, those who are pregnant, and those who work outdoors – should consider moving all events inside.
Before leaving your house and throughout the day, check air quality conditions.
Additional updates are available at AirNow.gov and guidance can be accessed in the Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution.
You can also access more information on air quality advisories from the Wisconsin Department of Human Services (DHS) website.
Very Unhealthy (201-300)
Who should be concerned?
Everyone
What should I do?
Everyone may experience health effects. These health effects may include coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes. Those with existing medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and COPD are at a higher risk and should take precautions seriously.
Everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Sensitive groups, which include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, those who are pregnant, and those who work outdoors – should avoid all physical activity outdoors.
To stay safe during this time, everyone in Outagamie County should:
- Avoid all outdoor activities and stay inside as much as possible
- Close your windows and doors
- Implement high efficiency air filters indoors, if available
- Wear an N95 mask if you have to be outside, especially those with existing medical conditions
- Check on your friends, family, and neighbors, especially older adults and pregnant people, to ensure their safety
Before leaving your house and throughout the day, check air quality conditions.
Additional updates are available at AirNow.gov and guidance can be accessed in the Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution.
You can also access more information on air quality advisories from the Wisconsin Department of Human Services (DHS) website.
Hazardous (301-500)
Who should be concerned?
Everyone
What should I do?
Everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors.
Sensitive groups, which include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, those who are pregnant – should stay indoors and keep activity levels low.
To stay safe during this time, everyone in Outagamie County should:
- Avoid all outdoor activities and stay inside as much as possible
- Close your windows and doors
- Implement high efficiency air filters indoors, if available
- Wear an N95 mask if you have to be outside, especially those with existing medical conditions
- Check on your friends, family, and neighbors, especially older adults and pregnant people, to ensure their safety
Before leaving your house and throughout the day, check air quality conditions.
Additional updates are available at AirNow.gov and you can find more guidance in the Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution.
You can also access more information on air quality advisories from the Wisconsin Department of Human Services (DHS) website.
For additional guidance, contact Outagamie County Public Health at (920) 832-5100.
Wisconsin Department of Human Services (DHS) Safety Recommendations for Outdoor Activities When Air Quality Index Levels Are in Unhealthy Ranges(PDF, 168KB)
How Air Quality Affects Your Health
Poor air quality can impact anyone, but some people are more at risk.
You may be more sensitive if you:
- Have asthma or lung disease
- Have heart conditions
- Are pregnant
- Are over age 65 or caring for young children
Common symptoms of poor air quality include:
- Coughing or throat irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Burning eyes
If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical care.
Burning Rules & Air Quality
Outdoor burning can worsen air quality and impact your neighbors.
Before burning, always check local rules and conditions.
You may need to:
- Follow Wisconsin DNR open burning regulations
- Check for local burn restrictions or advisories
- Avoid burning during poor air quality days
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to go outside today in Outagamie County?
Check today’s AQI. If levels are above 100, sensitive groups should limit time outdoors.
Why is the air quality bad today in Wisconsin?
Common causes include wildfire smoke, ozone, and weather patterns that trap pollution.
What should I do during wildfire smoke events?
Stay indoors, keep air clean inside your home, and limit outdoor activity.
Who should avoid outdoor activity during poor air quality?
Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with asthma or heart conditions.