The air quality index (AQI) is a tool used to assess and report the quality of air in a particular area, indicating how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health risks might be. Knowing the normal range of AQI is important to protect health because sensitive groups, including children, older people and pregnant women, are at particular risk. Some regions use a similar concept (the air pollution index (API)) to measure air quality but follow a different scale or methodology. AQI and API both provide some information about pollution levels; however, AQI is generally used more around the world.
In this article, we will look at the normal range of the air quality index, what affects it, and how we can use air quality monitoring systems and air quality checks to make sure we are breathing safe air.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The air quality index ranges from 0 to 500. The different levels of pollution and the possible health risks are indicated by each range. The higher the AQI number, the more polluted the air is, and the more likely you are to have health problems. The AQI is used globally, but the API is used regionally and may show local air quality in a different format.
The scale is divided into six categories based on the potential health effects associated with the pollution levels:
- 0-50 (Good): Air quality is satisfactory and air pollution levels are low.
- 51-100 (Moderate): Some pollutants may affect some very sensitive individuals; however, there is no significant health risk to the general public for these pollutants.
- 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): People from sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions, may experience health effects.
- 151-200 (Unhealthy): Everyone may begin to experience some health effects, with the sensitive groups being at greater risk of experiencing health effects.
- 201-300 (Very Unhealthy): Health alert: More serious health effects are possible for everyone.
- 301-500 (Hazardous): An emergency health warning. Serious health issues are more likely to affect the entire population.
What Factors Affect Air Quality Index?
Fluctuations in the AQI and the API are influenced by several locally and globally based factors, including weather conditions, pollution sources and seasonal changes. Both the AQI and API measure the most common pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ground-level ozone (O3).
- PM2.5 and PM10: Emissions from cars, industry, and wildfires. It is known that prolonged exposure to PM2.5 levels exceeding the safe limits can damage lung function and cause cardiac problems.
- NO2: Mainly from vehicles and power plants. It helps to form ground-level ozone, which can cause respiratory problems.
- Ozone: Ozone is a major component of smog and can irritate the respiratory system, especially in warm weather.
Air Quality Monitoring Systems and Tools
Air quality monitors and air quality tests are available to keep track of air quality. Real-time air quality checks are carried out with these devices, and they give accurate data about pollution levels. As environmental concerns are rising, personal air quality monitors (AQM) are becoming more and more popular for everyday use. Similar tools are used in regions where the air pollution index is used to monitor pollution levels locally. These devices enable you to check the air quality around you and adopt measures to keep yourself from being exposed to harmful pollutants.
Poor Air Quality and its Health Risks
Human health is closely related to air quality. Air pollution can cause a variety of respiratory and cardiovascular problems if you are exposed to high levels of it over a long period. Poor air quality affects some more than others, particularly children, the elderly and pregnant women. The following facts highlight some of the risks:
Children’s Health:
Children exposed to PM2.5 levels above safe AQI limits for long periods may have impaired lung development and reduced lung function growth. It can have long-term repercussions on their general health, including a higher threat of asthma as well as additional respiratory afflictions.
Elderly Vulnerability:
Levels of AQI that remain above 200 have been correlated with higher rates of visits to hospitals from respiratory causes in the elderly. When air quality gets worse, older adults with pre-existing conditions like COPD or heart disease are at the highest risk.
Pregnancy Risks:
Exposure to high AQI levels, especially from PM10 and NO2, has been associated with an increased risk of low birth weight in exposed mothers. Air pollution can harm the health of expectant women and their unborn children. Pregnant women are advised not to expose themselves to areas where concentrations are high.
Managing Air Quality: Prevention and Solutions
The first step is to understand what normal air quality is and how it affects your health. Managing and mitigating the effects of poor air quality involves several strategies, including:
- Monitoring Air Quality: Monitor air quality regularly with air quality monitoring systems or air quality tests (for example, air quality check 2400) in order to keep up to date on the air quality levels in your area.
- Avoiding Outdoor Activities: During the days when the AQI is more toxic than safe, try to avoid outdoor activities and limit your exposure to high levels of air pollution when the AQI measures to ‘unhealthy’ or ‘hazardous.
- Indoor Air Quality: Start with air purifiers, ventilating your home, and removing indoor pollution sources like smoking or cooking with an open door.
- Reducing Emissions: In the long term, we can reduce emissions through eco-friendly transport, reducing industrial emissions and helping to promote clean energy.
Conclusion
An air quality index is a very important tool to understand and control air pollution levels. It offers important information to keep you healthy and to make informed decisions about outdoor activities. The effects of air pollution, especially on sensitive groups, underscore the importance of regularly checking air quality levels and taking preventive actions. By monitoring the air quality and following safety guidelines, we can avoid the effects of air quality and have cleaner and healthier air for all.
