Get answers to common questions about air quality, AQI, and how to protect your health from air pollution.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized indicator that measures air pollution levels. It provides a simple way to understand how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. AQI values are calculated based on the concentration of major air pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and Ozone.
AQI is calculated by measuring the concentration of various air pollutants and converting them into a single number. The highest value among all measured pollutants determines the overall AQI for a location. For example, if PM2.5 levels indicate an AQI of 150 and Ozone levels indicate an AQI of 120, the overall AQI would be 150 (the higher value).
AQI levels are categorized as follows: 0-50 (Good) - Air quality is satisfactory; 51-100 (Satisfactory) - Air quality is acceptable but may affect sensitive individuals; 101-200 (Moderate) - Sensitive groups may experience health effects; 201-300 (Poor) - Everyone may experience health effects; 301-400 (Very Poor) - Health warnings for everyone; 401-500 (Severe) - Health alert for everyone.
Monitoring AQI helps you make informed decisions about outdoor activities, especially if you or your family members are sensitive to air pollution. High AQI levels can cause respiratory problems, heart issues, and other health complications. By checking AQI regularly, you can plan your activities to minimize exposure to poor air quality.
The main air pollutants include PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), PM10 (coarse particulate matter), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), SO2 (sulfur dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), and O3 (ozone). PM2.5 and PM10 are particularly concerning as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems.
Our AQI data is updated in real-time from government monitoring stations. The frequency of updates depends on the monitoring station, but most stations provide hourly updates. We display the most recent available data for each city.
When AQI is high, limit outdoor activities, especially strenuous exercise. Keep windows and doors closed, use air purifiers if available, and wear masks when going outside. Children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should take extra precautions.
We aggregate air quality data from reliable government sources including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and other official environmental monitoring agencies. All data is validated and cross-checked for accuracy before being displayed.
Yes, our data comes directly from government monitoring stations and is validated before display. However, AQI can vary within a city, so consider this data as a general indicator for your area. For the most precise local data, check with your local environmental authority.
To protect yourself from poor air quality: check AQI regularly, avoid outdoor activities when levels are high, use air purifiers indoors, keep windows closed during high pollution periods, wear masks when necessary, and consider indoor plants that can help improve air quality.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, while PM10 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller. PM2.5 is more dangerous as it can penetrate deeper into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing more serious health effects.
Yes, long-term exposure to poor air quality can lead to serious health problems including respiratory diseases, heart disease, lung cancer, and reduced life expectancy. Children, elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to long-term effects.
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