How to Cook Spaghetti in the Microwave

If you're cooking out of a dorm or small kitchen, you can still make delicious meals. Decide if you'd like to microwave the noodles using tap water or boiling water and oil. Once you've microwaved the noodles, serve them with your favorite jarred pasta sauce. Keep in mind that you can also microwave a hearty meat sauce that's great with spaghetti.

EditIngredients

EditMicrowaving Pasta

• Spaghetti
• Water

Serving size varies

EditFor the Pasta

• 10.5 ounces (300 g) of uncooked spaghetti noodles
• of vegetable oil, optional
• Boiling water as needed

Makes 4 servings

EditFor the Premade Sauce

• 1 jar of pasta sauce

Serving size varies

EditFor the Meat Sauce

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• of lean ground beef
• 1 14-ounce (411 g) can of chopped tomatoes
• of boiling water
• 1 beef stock cube or 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) of powdered bouillon
• 1 teaspoon (2 g) of dried oregano
• Black pepper, to taste

Makes 4 servings

EditSteps

EditMicrowaving Pasta

1. Break up the spaghetti noodles and place them in a bowl. Get out as much spaghetti as you'd like to cook in the microwave. Then break the noodles into halves or thirds and put them in a microwave-safe bowl.^[1]
   
2. Pour enough water to cover the noodles by . You can use room temperature water or just run water from the tap into the bowl. It's important that the noodles are completely submerged.^[2]
   
   • The noodles will double or triple in size as they cook which is why they need to be covered with the water.
3. Microwave the pasta for 3 minutes longer than the package instructs. Put the bowl in the microwave and read the pasta cooking instructions. Set the timer for 3 minutes longer than the manufacturer's recommendations.^[3]
   
   • For example, if the package says to boil the noodles for 9 minutes, you'll need to microwave them for 12 minutes.
4. Drain and use the cooked pasta. Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave. Set a colander in the sink and slowly pour the hot pasta into it so the water drains into the sink. Then top the cooked pasta with your favorite sauce.^[4]
   
   • Refrigerate leftover cooked pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 to 5 days.

EditCooking the Pasta Using Boiling Water

1. Break the dry spaghetti noodles and put them in a bowl. Get out 10.5 ounces (300 g) of uncooked spaghetti noodles and break them into thirds. They should easily fit into a microwave-safe bowl without sticking out.^[5]
   
2. Coat the pasta with oil and pour in boiling water. Add of vegetable oil to the dry noodles and stir until they're all coated. Then pour in enough boiling water to cover the noodles by at least .^[6]
   
   • Mixing the noodles with oil will prevent them from clumping together as they cook in the microwave.
3. Microwave the spaghetti for 8 minutes. Put a lid on the dish or cover it with plastic wrap. Set the dish in the microwave and heat the pasta on full power for 8 minutes. Stop and stir the noodles once they're halfway cooked.^[7]
   
   • Use caution when you stir the spaghetti since the dish will be hot.
4. Remove the spaghetti and let it sit for 2 minutes. Once the spaghetti has rested for a few minutes, test a few noodles to see if they're as soft as you like. If they're too firm for you, return the noodles to the microwave and cook them for 2 more minutes.^[8]
   
5. Drain and serve the spaghetti with sauce. Set a colander in the sink and slowly pour the cooked spaghetti into it. The hot water should drain into the sink. Then serve the hot spaghetti with your choice of sauce.
   
   • To store leftover spaghetti noodles, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 to 5 days.

EditMicrowaving Premade Sauce

1. Pour a jar of pasta sauce into a large bowl. Choose a microwave-safe bowl that's large enough to contain any splatters from the sauce. If you want to microwave a smaller portion, just pour as much as you need into the bowl.^[9]
   
2. Microwave the sauce in 30-second increments. Put the bowl of pasta sauce in the microwave and use LOW power to heat the sauce. Stop and stir the sauce every 30 seconds as it heats.^[10]
   
   • Keep in mind that it will take 2 to 3 minutes to heat a full jar of pasta sauce while a single portion might only take 1 minute.
3. Spread the hot sauce over your cooked noodles. Once the pasta sauce is as hot as you'd like, remove it from the microwave and spoon it over cooked spaghetti noodles. Serve the sauce and noodles while they're hot.^[11]
   

EditCooking Meat Sauce in the Microwave

1. Chop 1 onion, 1 garlic clove, and 1 carrot. Peel the produce and set them on a cutting board. Then use a sharp knife to chop the onion into pieces and mince the garlic clove. Dice the carrot into pea-sized pieces and transfer everything to a large microwave-safe bowl.^[12]
   
   • If you're short on time, buy a package of ready-cut onions and carrots to use.
2. Mix of lean ground beef with the veggies in the bowl. Mix the meat into the chopped vegetables as you break it into smaller pieces. This will help the beef cook evenly.^[13]
   
3. Cover the bowl and microwave the mixture for 3 minutes. Lay a piece of plastic wrap over the bowl with the meat and vegetables. Then cut a slit in the plastic wrap so steam can escape. Microwave the meat and vegetables for 3 minutes using high power.^[14]
   
   • If you don't want to use plastic wrap and the bowl has a lid, set the lid on the bowl so it's slightly askew and steam can escape.
   • Use caution when handling the dish since it will become very hot.
4. Microwave the meat mixture for 3 more minutes. Keep the mixture covered and microwave it until the meat is no longer pink. To ensure it's finished cooking, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the dish. The meat should reach .^[15]
   
   • If the meat is still slightly pink or hasn't reached , cover and microwave it for 1 more minute before checking it again.
   • Drain off any visible grease from the bowl once the meat has finished cooking.
5. Stir in the tomatoes, water, stock, and oregano. Open a 14-ounce (411 g) can of chopped tomatoes and add it to the bowl with the meat and vegetables. Stir in of boiling water, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of dried oregano, and 1 beef stock cube or 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) of powdered bouillon.^[16]
   
6. Microwave the meat sauce for 7 minutes. Lay the plastic wrap or lid back on the bowl and heat the sauce on full power. The sauce should begin to bubble and become fragrant.^[17]
   
   • Taste the sauce and stir in ground pepper according to your taste. It's safe to taste the sauce since the meat is already cooked.
7. Microwave the sauce for 10 more minutes before serving. Remove the lid and stir the sauce well. Then set the lid or wrap back on the bowl and heat the sauce for 10 more minutes. Stir it at the halfway point so the sauce cooks evenly. Carefully remove the sauce from the microwave and spoon it over the cooked spaghetti.^[18]
   
   • Cover and refrigerate leftover meat sauce for up to 3 or 4 days.

EditThings You'll Need

EditMicrowaving Pasta

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Colander

EditCooking the Pasta Using Boiling Water

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Lid or plastic wrap
• Spoon
• Colander

EditMicrowaving Premade Sauce

• Large microwave-safe bowl
• Spoon

EditCooking Meat Sauce in the Microwave

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large microwave-safe bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Fork
• Plastic wrap or a paper towel

EditTips

• To help pasta heat evenly in the microwave, don't put it on a plate in a circular mound. Instead, make a hole in the middle, so it's in the shape of a donut or ring. This helps it heat faster, and more evenly.^[19]
• For gluten-free spaghetti, skip the pasta noodles and cook spaghetti squash in the microwave instead.

EditSources and Citations

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from How to of the Day http://bit.ly/2RWrr1D
via Peter

How to Win a Spelling Bee

If you’re preparing for a spelling bee, you don’t have to read a dictionary cover to cover, but you do need to study! Whether you’re competing at your school or at a higher level, improving your vocabulary and learning word patterns can get you closer to victory. With a lot of hard work and perseverance, you can master the spelling bee and take home a trophy!

EditSteps

EditStudying Words

1. Review the word list if you have one. Familiarize yourself with the words that will appear in the spelling bee. Circle any words that seem difficult or any you don’t recognize so you know where to focus most of your attention. Make sure you practice spelling each of the words from the list until you master them.^[1]
   
   • Work on word lists made for your grade level before moving on to lists made for higher levels.
2. Look for common spelling bee words online if a list isn’t provided. Many regional and national spelling bees don’t have set word lists, but you can find frequently used words through Merriam-Webster and online study sources. Find words that you find challenging and focus your time on learning them. Start with words in your grade level before studying higher-level words.^[2]
   
   • Spell It! From Merriam-Webster lists over 1,000 words that are commonly used in bees along with tips and tricks on how to remember their spelling. You can find the words here: http://myspellit.com/.
   • Look on online flashcard websites like Quizlet for study options that other people preparing for spelling bees have made.
3. Listen to the pronunciation of each word online so you hear how it sounds. Most online dictionaries offer an audio option where you can hear each word. Type the word into the search bar on the website and click on the small speaker icon to hear the word. This is how the announcer at the spelling bee will say the word.^[3]
   
   • Hearing the word while looking at the spelling will help you recognize how the letters are vocalized.
   • If you’re familiar with phonetic writing, you can find the correct pronunciation in the dictionary.
4. Practice spelling 15-20 words every day. Break your workload into manageable chunks of words to focus on. Pair difficult words with ones you’re familiar with to give yourself a break between challenging spellings. Work until you master how to spell each word on your list for that given day.^[4]
   
   • Revisit words after a week to see if you can spell them correctly again.
   • Increase or decrease the number of words you practice depending on what works for you.
5. Have someone announce the words so you can practice spelling them out loud. Pretend you’re standing in front of a microphone just like you would at the actual spelling bee. When your friend or parent reads off the word, ask any questions you have, such as the definition or country of origin, or have them repeat the word. Practice spelling each word aloud.^[5]
   
   • Having someone read the words for you helps prepare you for being on stage as well as work on spelling under pressure.
   • Make sure they pronounce the words correctly when they announce the words.

EditImproving Your Vocabulary

1. Familiarize yourself with common word roots to figure out definitions. Many words are made by combining 2 or more roots that give hints on what the word means. A majority of words in English are formed with Latin or Greek roots. Make a list of common roots you find in your words. When you hear a new word, think back to the definition and the root word to figure out the spelling.^[6]
   
   • For example, the word telephone is made up of the roots “tele-” which means “at a distance” and “-phone” which means voice. Knowing these roots can help you spell words like television, telekinesis, or phonograph based on their definitions.
2. Look up the etymology of words online to learn the origins of words. Words originating from different countries may have specific rules or patterns that can help you spell the words. For example, words originating from Japan tend to end with a vowel sound or the letter N.^[7] Study words that come from various countries and regions of the world to familiarize yourself with their patterns.^[8]
   
   • Ask a librarian or English teacher to help you find a book to help you learn etymology.
   • Many schools have access to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) that lists the entire history of a word. Ask your librarian if your school or university has an OED login.
3. Read more books and look up words you don’t know. Keep a dictionary near you as you read books at and above your grade level. If you come across a confusing word, try to guess what the word means based on the rest of the sentence, and then look it up in your dictionary. Make a list of the words you stop for to practice with.^[9]
   
   • For example, in the sentence, “I noshed on some pretzels,” you may be unfamiliar with the word noshed. Based on the context of the sentence, you can guess that nosh means "to eat." When you look up the word, you’ll find nosh means "to eat a snack."
   • Some e-readers have a built-in dictionary that lets you look up words just by tapping on them.
4. Play word games. Look online for crosswords or practice spelling tests to help improve your spelling and increase your vocabulary. Keep track of words that are challenging so you can come back to them and practice spelling them later.^[10]
   
   • If you want to play games with friends, try playing a game of Scrabble, Boggle, or Words with Friends.

EditCompeting in the Spelling Bee

1. Watch some spelling bees before you compete. If you’ve never seen or participated in a spelling bee before, familiarizing yourself with what they’re like can help you feel more comfortable. Try attending a spelling bee in person or watching footage of different spelling bees online.
   
   • Watching spelling bees can give you an idea of the typical format of the bee and what the on-stage experience is like for the competitors.
   • You can watch televised national spelling bees, like the Scripps National Spelling Bee, on stations like ESPN. Check on YouTube for footage of smaller local or regional spelling bees.
2. Conquer stage fright. Stay calm while you’re on stage by taking slow, deep breaths. Look directly at the announcer rather than anyone in the crowd so you don’t get distracted. Listen to the announcer carefully so you hear each word.^[11]
   
   • Practicing spelling in front of your friends and family before the day of the spelling bee can help prepare you for standing in front of a larger audience.
3. Spell words on your palm with your finger to help remember the spelling. Pretend your finger is a pencil and your other hand is a piece of paper. As you hear the word, start writing it out one letter at a time in your palm. This can help you visualize the word better and recognize any mistakes before you spell the word out loud.^[12]
   
   • Take your time when spelling the word. Once you start saying it out loud, you can’t make any changes.
   • Try writing the words with your finger when you’re practicing for the spelling bee to get used to the motions.
4. Ask questions about the word if you need clarification. If your spelling bee allows it, ask for the definition, country of origin, and what part of speech the word is so you know what patterns or roots you can expect from your word. If you have trouble hearing the announcer, ask them to repeat the word until you have a clear understanding of it.^[13]
   
   • Some spelling bees will allow the announcer to use the word in a sentence so you can hear it in context.

EditTips

• If you have a word list, start practicing from somewhere different every time. This will help you learn better than just memorizing the order.
• Read a lot to increase your vocabulary.

EditWarnings

• Even if you don’t get the win the first time, keep trying again and again. If you keep studying and learning, you might be able to win in the coming years.^[14]

EditRelated wikiHows

• Overcome Stage Fright
• Study for a Spelling Test
• Avoid Common Spelling Mistakes when Writing a wikiHow Article
• Memorize Words for a Spelling Bee
• Avoid Looking Nervous

EditSources and Citations

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from How to of the Day http://bit.ly/2BdMbaA
via Peter

How to Clean Leather Furniture

Leather furniture may look intimidating to clean, but it’s surprisingly easy to care for! With some regular upkeep, like vacuuming and wiping it down with a microfiber cloth once a month, you can keep your furniture looking in tiptop shape. Treating stains on your leather furniture is fairly straightforward, too—ink, grease, and drink stains can all be cleaned up with a little care and attention.

EditSteps

EditMaintaining Your Leather Furniture

1. Vacuum the entire piece of furniture once per month. Use the attachments on your vacuum to sweep the cracks and crevices of the furniture. Remove any cushions and vacuum away all visible dirt. Use the soft brush attachment to clean the surface of the furniture, too.^[1]
   
   • Always use the vacuum attachments rather than picking up the entire vacuum and putting it on the furniture. The weight of the vacuum and its sharp edges could easily scratch the leather.
2. Wipe the furniture down with a microfiber cloth from the top to bottom. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to give the entire piece of furniture a thorough wipe down. Start at the top of the furniture and work your way down so that any dislodged dust or dirt will fall to areas that haven’t been wiped clean yet.^[2]
   
   • While you’re wiping the furniture down, take note of any areas that are stained or particularly dirty so you can treat them later.
3. Mix together equal parts vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution. In a small bowl, combine of water with of white vinegar. To prevent spilling the mixture, place the bowl on the ground near the furniture that you’re cleaning.^[3]
   
   • Test out new cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first just in case it doesn’t react well with the leather.^[4]
4. Use the water and vinegar to wipe away any dirty areas you noticed. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the solution and squeeze it out so that it’s damp, but not dripping. Use a gentle, circular motion to clean away dirt and grime. It’s not necessary to clean the entire piece of furniture, though it won’t hurt the leather to wipe the whole thing down.^[5]
   
   • Be very gentle if you’re cleaning unprotected leather, as it is much easier to scratch and damage.^[6]
5. Dry off the water and vinegar with a clean microfiber towel. After you wipe down the piece of furniture, take a clean, dry microfiber towel and wipe away any excess moisture that remains. Avoid letting wet spots air dry.^[7]
   
   • If the microfiber cloth gets too wet while you’re drying off the furniture, use a fresh, dry towel.
6. Apply a conditioner to your furniture every 6 to 12 months. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before you apply the conditioner. Generally, you’ll apply the conditioner to a clean washcloth and rub it into the leather using gentle, circular motions. Make sure to check how long the conditioner needs to be left alone before you use the furniture again.^[8]
   
   • Test the conditioner out on an inconspicuous area of the furniture before applying it to the entire piece.

EditTreating Stains

1. Blot away spills as quickly as possible after they occur. As soon as a spill happens, grab some clean paper towels to wipe away the bulk of it. Once that is done, take a clean, dry washcloth and blot the stained area by pressing down on it repeatedly.^[9]
   
   • Blotting the spill should help draw up any liquid or matter that has already started to set into the leather.
2. Wipe away grease with a dry cloth and baking soda. If your leather is stained with butter, body lotion, oil, or any other kind of grease or fat, use a dry washcloth to wipe off as much of it as you can. Once the grease has mostly been removed, sprinkle enough baking soda over the stain so it’s completely covered. Leave the baking soda on the stain for 2 to 3 hours, then wipe it away with a clean cloth.^[10]
   
   • Don’t use water to wipe away grease stains. Water could actually cause the grease to set into the leather, rather than clearing it away.
   • The baking soda helps draw the grease out of the leather, making it easier to wipe away.
3. Use rubbing alcohol to address ink stains on your leather furniture. Dip a cotton ball into rubbing alcohol and gently squeeze it out so it’s not dripping wet. Then dab the cotton ball against the ink stain to remove it from the leather. Dab in an up-and-down motion, rather than rubbing the area. Stop once the stain has been lifted.^[11]
   
   • Depending on how big the stain is, you may need to use more than 1 cotton ball. The stain should transfer from the leather to the cotton ball, so when you notice the cotton looks stained, trade it out for a fresh one.
4. Dab away juice and soda stains with a clean cloth and distilled water. Dampen a clean cloth in distilled water, and blot any areas on your leather furniture that have been stained by water-based liquids. After the stain has been blotted, leave the spot to air-dry.^[12]
   
   • The water and cloth will clean away any stickiness left from the liquid.
5. Mix together lemon juice and cream of tartar to clean beige leather. Mix together of lemon juice and of cream of tartar in a small bowl. Spread the mixture over the stained area. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe it clean with a damp washcloth.^[13]
   
   • Don’t use this method on darker pieces, as the lemon juice could lighten the leather.

EditTips

• Don’t saturate leather furniture with water. Always use a cloth to wet the furniture, rather than pouring water directly onto it.^[14]
• Avoid ammonia, furniture polishes, saddle soap, and detergents when cleaning protected and unprotected leathers, as they can actually stain the leather themselves.^[15]
• If there is a really stubborn stain you can’t get out on your own, it may be time to call a professional.
• Keep your leather furniture out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources if you can. The sun and heat can dry out the leather and make it crack or even change the color of the leather.^[16]
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions prior to cleaning the leather to see if there are any special directions.

EditThings You’ll Need

EditMaintaining Your Leather Furniture

• Vacuum with attachments
• Microfiber cloths
• Water
• White vinegar
• Small bowl
• Leather conditioner

EditTreating Stains

• Paper towels
• Washcloth
• Baking soda
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Distilled water
• Lemon juice
• Cream of tartar
• Small bowl
• Spoon

EditRelated wikiHows

• Clean a Leather Sofa
• Care for Leather Furniture
• Clean Grease Stains on Leather

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

from How to of the Day http://bit.ly/2UufGfs
via Peter

How to Detect Bad Air Quality

Poor air quality can force you to stay inside, give you allergy attacks, and even hurt your health, but it can be hard to tell just when the quality goes from OK to unhealthy. By checking frequently and knowing how to keep yourself safe at dangerous levels, you can wait out the bad air safely and get back outside in good health.

EditSteps

EditAssessing Air Quality Indoors

1. Use an air quality monitor to test for test for indoor pollutants. Indoor air quality is judged by the amount of particle matter, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds, such as chemical pollutants), temperature, and humidity (which can lead to mold) in the air. Look online and in home hardware stores for air quality monitors that check all of these pollutants.^[1]
   
   • Monitors typically cost between $150-250, and 1 device should work well for a medium-sized home.
   • The monitor will inform you when it detects a risky level of pollutants and what you should do about it. It can come paired with an app that provides even more information, and can send you alerts about changes in the air quality even when you aren’t in your home.
2. Look for signs of mold. Check your home for a musty, unpleasant odor that persists even when you clean, and look for visible signs like black spots, water spots, or damp areas. You might also start experiencing health symptoms, such as watering eyes, congestion, or listlessness.^[2]
   
   • You can verify with a professional mold inspection, then get rid of the mold with a removal service.
3. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the building. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, but can be deadly if it’s inhaled. Installing carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home or workplace can alert you if dangerous levels of the chemical are ever present.^[3]
   
   • Place the detectors close to areas that you frequent, such as a bedroom or a busy office, so you’re more likely to hear them.
   • Change the batteries every 6 months or so.
   • Carbon monoxide can be released by household appliances like stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, grills, and hot water heaters. Place detectors in the same room as these appliances, or as close as possible.
4. Do an at-home test to check for radon. To check for radon, a radioactive gas that can be found in soil, well water, and in homes, you can purchase an at-home test from a home improvement store. You’ll likely need to leave the sensor material in your home, then collect it after a certain amount of time. Then, you’ll mail the material to a lab for analysis. Check twice a year to make sure your building stays safe.^[4]
   
   • Radon is the top cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and about 1 in 15 homes in the US have elevated levels of it.^[5]
   • You can also hire a professional to test.

EditChecking Outdoor Air Conditions

1. Check verified Air Quality Index reports online. You can easily check your area’s Air Quality Index (AQI) by logging onto a verified website. From there, you’ll enter in a city or postal code, or allow the site to look at your GPS information to tell you the AQI in your area. Scores are color-coded and typically separated by pollutant. They’re available throughout the US and globally as well. Use websites such as:^[6]
   
   • For U.S. only: https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.main
   • Worldwide: http://aqicn.org/here/
   • For links to sites with AQI information in other countries: https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.international
2. Look out for AQI scores of 100 or higher, which mean the air is unhealthy. The Air Quality Index (AQI) provides daily reports on air quality all over the world. It consists of a numerical value paired with a verbal level and a color. You can read the AQI with the following key:
   
   • Good air quality: AQI within 0-50; green color. Air quality at this level is satisfactory and doesn’t pose any health risks.
   • Moderate: AQI within 51-100; yellow color. The air quality is acceptable, but could be a moderate health risk for people sensitive to ozone or particle pollution.
   • Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: AQI within 101-150; orange color. Most of the population shouldn’t be affected, but people with heart or lung disease, children, and older adults are at risk.
   • Unhealthy: AQI within 151-200; red color. Everyone might start to experience adverse health effects, with sensitive groups experiencing them more strongly.
   • Very unhealthy: AQI between 201-300; purple color. This is a health alert, which means that everyone might start to experience strong health effects.
   • Hazardous: AQI above 300; maroon color. This is considered an emergency condition, where the whole population is even more likely to be affected.
3. Learn how the Air Quality Index is measured to read it more easily. The AQI tests for 4 different pollutants. Most AQI scores are given in terms of pollutant—1 score per pollutant—so knowing what they are and how they can affect you is helpful in learning how to keep yourself safe.^[7]
   
   • Ground level ozone: Ozone pollution often occurs during the summer, when hot weather heats up pollutants from cars and power plants. Health effects can include coughing and throat soreness, difficulty breathing, aggravation of asthma, and inflamed lung cells.
   • Particle pollution or matter: When inhaled, fine and coarse particles can aggravate your lungs. This is particularly dangerous during fires and for people with heart and lung diseases, as their diseases can be aggravated to life-threatening levels.
   • Carbon monoxide: An odorless, colorless gas, carbon monoxide is let out in car exhaust. In high levels, it can reduce the amount of oxygen in your body. This type of pollution is most dangerous for people with cardiovascular diseases or difficulties.
   • Sulfur dioxide: Also a colorless gas, sulfur dioxide is produced by burning fuels like coal and oil in power plants.
4. Track wildfires that can affect air quality. Wildfires let off fumes that create dangerous levels of ozone and particulate matter. Healthy adults usually aren’t at major risk from short-term exposure, but you should still avoid breathing in smoke if you can help it. Track nearby wildfires online and keep up to date on your local air quality, since winds can push smoke towards you even from miles away.^[8]
   
   • Use fire tracker websites like https://fsapps.nwcg.gov/.
5. Check pollen and spore levels online. Pollutants aren’t the only air problem to be aware of. If you’re allergic or even just sensitive to pollen and spores, you can track their levels in your area using allergen-specific websites. Sites will usually provide information on what kind of allergens are in the air and at what levels; anything over a low to medium-low range can affect your allergy symptoms, depending on your sensitivity. Sites to use include:^[9]
   
   • https://www.pollen.com/
   • https://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts/western-region
6. Sign up for EnviroFlash to get email alerts about poor air quality. If you want to stay up to date on air quality without having to search for it, subscribe to EnviroFlash. You can sign up for daily updates, forecasts, and alerts for when AQI levels hit a level of concern (known as “action days”).^[10]
   
   • To subscribe, go to http://www.enviroflash.info/. Enter your email address, name, and zip code, then search for the nearest EnviroFlash city to you.
7. Download an air pollution detection app for convenience. For a convenient way to check air quality right on your phone, search your app store for an app that offers AQI and pollen information based on your location. Make sure it can access your current location for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
   
   • Try apps like Air Matters, or Air Quality, both of which are free and work globally.
8. Listen to and read weather reports from local media. Your area’s AQI is almost always reported during weather updates on TV or in the newspaper, so you can track it daily if you want. It typically gets the most attention when it hits moderate or unhealthy levels, so even a casual news-watcher should be able to get notified when conditions are bad.^[11]
   

EditProtecting Yourself from Poor Air Quality

1. Use an air purifier for indoor spaces. To remove dust particles and other allergens from your home, place an electronic purifier in your bedroom. This gives you the longest exposure to the purified air.
   
   • Look for air purifiers online or in home improvement stores.
2. Avoid heavy or prolonged exertion during periods of high AQI. No matter what pollutant is registering in high levels, the best thing is to avoid heavy outdoor exercise and long periods of time outside. If you do need to go outside, slow down (such as by walking, instead of running) and try to take frequent breaks indoors.^[12]
   
   • For ozone and particle matter, avoid outdoor exertion at Moderate levels.
   • For carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, avoid outdoor exertion at “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” levels.
   • Try to exercise indoors on days when you’re at risk. If you can’t, cut back on the intensity of your exercise and avoid areas with heavy traffic, such as busy streets.^[13]
3. Stay inside if you’re a child, older adult, or have a lung disease or asthma. The most susceptible people to poor air quality are children, older adults, and people with lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and asthma. If you or your loved ones fall into one or more of these categories, keep track of AQI closely and stay inside when levels register as Moderate.^[14]
   
4. Stay alert for adverse health effects to different pollutants. Health effects for each type of pollutant vary slightly, so try to learn them and watch out for them during at-risk periods, especially if you’re at-risk or spending a lot of time outside. Symptoms can appear or worsen over a few days after exposure as well. If you develop serious symptoms, such as an inability to breathe or aggravation of a current condition, go to the emergency room. Look for symptoms like:^[15]
   
   • Ozone: coughing, throat soreness, chest tightness or pain, aggravation of asthma
   • Particle pollution: chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, coughing, aggravation of asthma and chronic bronchitis
   • Carbon monoxide: chest pain, lowered mental awareness and vision
   • Sulfur dioxide: wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, especially for people with asthma.
5. Wear a face mask if you have to be outside during bad conditions. If you have to spend a long amount of time outside or exerting yourself during dangerous air conditions, buy a face mask to protect yourself. Look online or in home improvement stores for a mask like the N95, which will protect you from most particulates.^[16]
   
   • If you’re exposed to other pollutants, consider getting a mask with a filtration system.
   • Particulate masks are particularly important if your air quality is affected by wildfires.

EditTips

• Make sure to change your home air filters every 60-90 days, or more frequently if you or anyone else in your home suffers from allergies.

EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary

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from How to of the Day http://bit.ly/2G9LCSz
via Peter