AQIs

AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a system used by government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. As the AQI increases, the potential health impacts for people increase. The AQI is an index, a number that runs from 0 to 500. When the AQI is 0 to 50, the air quality is considered good. When the AQI is 51 to 100, it is considered moderate. From 101 to 150, it is unhealthy for sensitive groups. A AQI from 151 to 200 is unhealthy. When the AQI is between 201 and 300, it is very unhealthy. A AQI above 300 is considered hazardous.

Different countries use different AQI scales, but they generally report on the same key air pollutants, including ground-level ozone, particle pollution (particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. These pollutants can have various adverse effects on human health, impacting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Public health advisories are often issued when AQI levels become unhealthy, recommending that people limit their exposure to outdoor air. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality. Monitoring AQI helps individuals make informed decisions about their activities and take necessary precautions.