Kansas City Air Quality Alert: PM10 Levels Reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Current Air Quality

On March 19, 2026, the reporting area of Kansas City, MO, recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 131, which falls into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. The primary pollutant driving this reading is PM10. Other pollutants measured in the area include PM2.5 with an AQI of 72 (Moderate) and Ozone (O3) with an AQI of 34 (Good).

What This Means

An AQI level of 131 indicates that air quality is unhealthy for members of sensitive populations. While the general public is less likely to be affected, those with underlying health conditions may experience adverse effects from the current concentration of particulate matter.

Who Should Take Precautions

Groups at increased risk from this level of PM10 pollution include:

• People with heart or lung disease
• Older adults
• Children and teenagers

What You Should Do

Sensitive groups are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion during outdoor activities. It is recommended to take more breaks and engage in less intense outdoor tasks. If you are in a sensitive group and experience symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath, you should reduce your activity level. The general public can continue normal outdoor activities.

Source

Information provided by EPA AirNow.