What AQI Readings Really Mean

The U.S. Air Quality Index is widely used to judge wildfire smoke risk, but it relies on outdated thresholds and a simplified scale.

As wildfire smoke becomes more common, people lean on AQI more heavily even though it may not accurately reflect real exposure.

Uneven sensor coverage leaves gaps in monitoring, which can understate danger in some places.

Experts say public health needs denser air-quality data and more precise warnings to better protect people outdoors.