Air Quality At Its Best: Aqi 10

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used by the EPA to communicate the level of air pollution and associated health risks to the public. The AQI is calculated based on the levels of six atmospheric pollutants: sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3). The AQI is measured on a scale from 0 to 500, with lower values indicating better air quality and lower health risks. An AQI of 10 is considered excellent and poses little to no risk to public health, falling within the Good category of air quality. This means that at an AQI of 10, the air pollution levels are very low, and the air is safe to breathe for almost everyone.

AQI values below 100 are considered safe

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system used to warn the public about dangerous levels of air pollution. It tracks ozone (smog) and particle pollution (from smoke, power plants, factories, vehicle exhaust, etc.), as well as four other widespread air pollutants. The AQI is measured on a scale of 0 to 500, with 0 representing perfect air quality and values over 100 indicating unhealthy air quality. AQI values below 100 are considered safe for almost everyone, and the lower the number, the better the air quality.

An AQI value of 10, for example, indicates excellent air quality with minimal health risk. At this level, the air is safe for everyone, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular issues. However, it is still important to stay informed about the AQI as it can fluctuate due to various factors such as wildfires or industrial activities.

When the AQI exceeds 100, the air quality is considered unhealthy, and the higher the number, the greater the health risk. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, people with diabetes, and those with lower SES are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy physical activity to minimise their exposure to pollution. Even healthy adults who exercise or work outdoors can be harmed by poor air quality, so it is important to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

To stay informed about the AQI, individuals can utilise various resources such as weather forecasts, websites like AirNow.gov, or sign up for notifications through services like EnviroFlash, which provide real-time air quality data and alerts. By staying aware of the AQI, individuals can take appropriate steps to protect their health and minimise the harmful effects of air pollution.

AQI tracks six pollutants

An AQI or Air Quality Index of 10 is considered good air quality. The AQI is a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. An AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 is considered hazardous air quality.

The AQI is used to warn the public when air pollution is dangerous. Newspapers, radio, television, and websites report AQI levels year-round. Keeping track of the current air quality information in your area can help you take steps to protect yourself and others from unhealthy levels of air pollution. Air pollution can harm anyone, but it is especially dangerous for children, teens, the elderly, people with asthma and other lung diseases, anyone over 65, people who are pregnant, or those with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Even healthy adults who exercise or work outdoors can be harmed by poor air quality.

The AQI breaks air pollution levels into six categories, each with a name, an associated colour, and advice. AQI values at or below 100 are considered satisfactory for almost everyone. When AQI values are above 100, air quality is considered unhealthy. The higher the AQI value, the more people are at risk of health harm.

The AQI level is based on the level of six atmospheric pollutants: sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulates smaller than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10), suspended particulates smaller than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3). These six pollutants are measured at monitoring stations throughout cities. The final AQI value is calculated either per hour or per 24 hours and is the maximum of the six scores.

Air pollution is dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with health issues

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system used to warn the public about dangerous levels of air pollution. It is measured on a scale of 0 for perfect air quality, up to 500 for air pollution levels that pose an immediate danger to the public. AQI values at or below 100 are considered satisfactory for almost everyone.

Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from human-made and natural sources. It is a major threat to global health, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year. It is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with health issues.

Children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution because they are still growing and developing. They are also more exposed to pollutants due to their height and faster breathing rate. Research has found that children walking on busy roads may be exposed to up to a third more air pollution than adults. This can cause respiratory infections, asthma, cognitive developmental issues, and other lifelong health problems. According to the 2024 State of Global Air, air pollution was linked to 709,000 deaths in children under five years old in 2021. It was the second leading risk factor for death among this age group, after malnutrition.

The elderly are also at a higher risk from air pollution. Studies have linked poor air quality to decreased cognitive performance in older individuals. Additionally, those with pre-existing health issues, such as respiratory or cardiovascular problems, are typically among the first groups affected by poor air quality. Exposure to high levels of air pollution can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, aggravated asthma, and other serious health issues.

It is important to stay informed about the air quality in your area and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones when pollution levels are high. This may include reducing physical activity outdoors or even avoiding going out altogether. By being aware and proactive, we can minimize the harmful effects of air pollution on our health.

AQI values are colour-coded

An AQI or Air Quality Index is a system used to warn the public about dangerous levels of air pollution. The AQI tracks ozone (smog) and particle pollution (from smoke, power plants, factories, vehicle exhaust, etc.), as well as four other widespread air pollutants. The AQI values are colour-coded and are monitored and communicated by designated government bodies. The colours make it easy for people to quickly determine whether the air quality is reaching unhealthy levels in their communities.

The AQI values are computed based on the concentration of harmful air pollutants over an average period, either through an air quality monitoring system or a prototype model. The final AQI value can be calculated per hour or per 24 hours and is the maximum of six scores. The score for each pollutant is non-linear, as is the final AQI score.

The AQI values are divided into six categories, each with a specific colour and level of health concern. An AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality. AQI values at or below 100 are considered satisfactory for almost everyone. When AQI values are above 100, air quality is unhealthy, and the higher the number, the more people are at risk of health harm.

When the AQI is high, governmental bodies generally encourage people to reduce physical activity outdoors or even avoid going outside altogether. In some places, action days are called when the AQI is forecast to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, or Code Orange. On these days, sensitive groups should reduce exposure by eliminating prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. When wildfires result in a high AQI, the use of a mask (such as an N95 respirator) outdoors and an air purifier (with HEPA and activated carbon filters) indoors are also encouraged.

AQI forecasts are available to help protect health

An AQI or Air Quality Index is an indicator developed by government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. The AQI tracks ozone (smog) and particle pollution (tiny particles from smoke, power plants and factories, vehicle exhaust, and other sources), as well as four other widespread air pollutants. AQI forecasts are available to help protect health.

The AQI breaks air pollution levels into six categories, each of which has a name, an associated color, and advice. AQI values at or below 100 are considered satisfactory for almost everyone. When AQI values are above 100, air quality is unhealthy. The higher the number, the more people are at risk of health harm. For instance, when the AQI is high, governmental bodies generally encourage people to reduce physical activity outdoors or even avoid going out altogether.

The EPA issues year-round AQI forecasts for most nations, including maps that show how pollution levels change and move throughout the day. It is "real-time" information, so one can see the current outdoor air quality. The maps are available at AirNow.gov. One can also find information about the daily air quality index for their area wherever they get their weather forecast, such as local radio, TV weather reports, newspapers, or weather apps on smartphones.

Air quality forecasts are essential for protecting public health, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular problems, who are typically the first groups affected by poor air quality. Even healthy adults who exercise or work outdoors can be harmed by poor air quality. Being aware of when the air quality is bad gives people the chance to take steps to protect their health, such as using masks and air purifiers.

Frequently asked questions