The Dangerous Effects of Poor Air Quality on Health and Real Estate.

The Air Quality Index in New York City reached 407 this week, indicating hazardous conditions. However, there have been about 40 instances in the past decade when the index has risen above 500, mostly in Western states due to wildfires. A rating between 301 and 500 is considered "hazardous," and air quality at that level will trigger health warnings. People may experience respiratory illnesses, and pollution particles can cause inflammation of the lung tissue and increase vulnerability to infections. The EPA has proposed changes to the AQI to make it more accurate and reflect recent scientific studies about particle pollution and health.