Breathe Easy: How to Find Your Next Home in a Low-AQI Zone
Planning to move? Learn how to find a home in a low-AQI zone, reduce pollution exposure, and create a healthier living environment for you and your family.
The quality of air is no longer a matter of environmental concern; it is also a personal health matter. Various health issues, such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and low lung function, have been associated with low air quality. According to health statistics regarding the global population, people living in areas where the AQI is high face unique health risks. It is here that selecting a place to live in a region where the AQI is low can help boost personal quality of life.
AQI Matters: What Home Buyers Need to Consider
The Air Quality Index (AQI) monitors levels of pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. AQI that is below 50 is regarded as good, while AQI above 100 can cause health problems for some people. Before settling down, you can undergo an AQI review using reputable online tools like air quality monitoring websites operated by governments or weather applications. You can also consider regions that are known to have a reasonable AQI level for a specific number of months in a year.
Choose Locations Away From Pollution Sources
Regions where the air quality is low will always be situated far from highways, industrial areas, construction sites, and densely populated commercial centres. Suburbs, green neighbourhoods, and towns where traffic is regulated tend to have clean air. Being close to parks, forests, lakes, and the coastline also helps in regulating air movement and the concentration of air pollutants.
Assess Local Infrastructure & Planning
A city with good urban planning designs is likely to show lower AQI levels. Try finding places where the roads are wide, there are green belts, pedestrian areas, and controls over emissions are strict. A modern residential area designed in conformance with sustainable principles is also supposed to emit cleaner air compared to older, congested areas.
Improve Indoor Air Quality Too
Indoor air quality is also important in low A-QI areas. Well-ventilated homes, cross ventilation, and natural lighting reduce the holding capacity of the house. Adding plants, air purifiers, and low-VOC paints can also improve IAQ. A house with good design is an added advantage when the outdoor environment is clean.
FAQs
Q1. What AQI value is considered safe for inhabitation?
If the AQI is below 50, it is safe. For 51 to 100, it is moderate, which is acceptable for healthy individuals.
Q2. What is the process for accessing AQI information for a specific neighbourhood?
There are sites provided by governmental agencies that allow you to monitor AQI in real time or use weather apps for data that shows AQI in different cities.
Q3. Are low-AQI houses more expensive?
Not necessarily. While some areas with low AOQIs have been classified as prime, many suburban areas have cheaper housing with cleaner air.
Q4. Can indoor air quality be enhanced in areas where AQI is high?
Yes. Air purifiers, ventilation, houseplants, and closing entry points of pollutants are effective methods of improving air quality indoors.
