Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized system used to measure and communicate the quality of air in a specific area. It provides a numerical value that reflects the concentration of various pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The AQI is typically presented on a scale that ranges from 0 to 500, where lower values indicate good air quality and higher values indicate worse air quality and potential health risks.

The AQI is divided into categories that correspond to different levels of health concern, such as “Good,” “Moderate,” “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” “Unhealthy,” “Very Unhealthy,” and “Hazardous.” It helps individuals, particularly those with respiratory conditions or vulnerabilities, understand how the air quality may affect their health and make informed decisions about outdoor activities.

The AQI is an essential tool for public health officials, enabling them to disseminate information regarding air safety and pollution levels to the general public.