The full form of AQI is Air Quality Index.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to communicate daily air quality. This makes it easier for the public to understand how clean or polluted the air is and what potential health effects may be associated with the current air quality.
Understanding the Air Quality Index
The AQI is a numerical scale that ranges from 0 to 500, with higher numbers indicating poorer air quality. It is often accompanied by color-coded categories to help provide a quick visual representation of the air quality.
AQI Ranges and Categories
Here's a breakdown of AQI ranges and their associated health implications:
| AQI Range | Category | Health Implications |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50 | Good | Minimal risk; air quality is considered satisfactory. |
| 51-100 | Moderate | Acceptable air quality; some pollutants may pose moderate health risks for sensitive groups. |
| 101-150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects; general public is not affected. |
| 151-200 | Unhealthy | Everyone may begin to experience health effects; sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. |
| 201-300 | Very Unhealthy | Health effects are increased for everyone. |
| 301-500 | Hazardous | Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is likely to be affected. |
How the AQI is Calculated
The AQI is calculated based on the concentrations of several pollutants in the air. These pollutants can include:
- Ozone (O3): A gas that can cause respiratory issues.
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Tiny particles that can be inhaled and cause health issues.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas that can reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): A gas that can cause respiratory irritation.
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): A gas that can cause respiratory irritation.
Importance of the AQI
The AQI is important because:
- It provides a standardized way to communicate air quality information to the public.
- It allows individuals, especially those in sensitive groups, to make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
- It helps raise awareness about air pollution and its health impacts.
