Making Air Quality Colors Accessible to All

The modified color scale was developed through a collaboration between South Coast Air Quality Management District, Desert Research Institute, the US Forest Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - learn more here. The new color scale will accommodate individuals with some form of color-perception differences while still being similar enough to the traditional AQI color scale that has been used for decades and is familiar to the public. (Need a refresher on AQI? It’s the EPA’s color-coded scale for communicating outdoor air quality health and safety - learn more here).

The modified scale was tested against eight common types of color impairment using a simulator to ensure the categories would be distinguishable. The biggest difference you may notice is that the moderate color changed from a bright yellow to mustard yellow. Another key feature is that the new scale moves from the lightest color (green) to the darkest color (maroon) so that it can be interpreted when converted to grayscale (as seen above).

We are helping ensure that everyone has the tools they need to understand risks and make informed decisions. Making environmental data more understandable isn't just a nice gesture—it’s a public health imperative.