AQI Explained Simply
The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is a vital tool designed to help everyone understand the current state of air pollution in their surroundings. It operates
by categorizing air quality into five distinct levels, each signifying a different degree of health concern. To make this information instantly recognizable, every category is assigned a specific color. This visual cue allows individuals to quickly gauge whether air quality is reaching unhealthy thresholds within their community. The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 100, with lower numbers indicating better air quality and higher numbers signifying poorer conditions. This system is crucial for public health, enabling informed decisions about outdoor activities and personal safety.
AQI Health Categories
The AQI system delineates air quality into five distinct levels, each carrying a specific health implication and a corresponding color. The 'Good' category, typically ranging from 0 to 100, signifies minimal impact and is represented by a pleasant green color. Moving up, the 'Fair' range, from 100 to 200, is usually colored yellow and may lead to minor breathing discomfort for individuals particularly sensitive to air pollutants. The 'Moderate' category, spanning 200 to 300, often depicted in orange, can cause breathing difficulties for those with lung conditions like asthma, and discomfort for people with heart issues, as well as children and older adults. When the AQI reaches the 'Poor' range, from 300 to 400 (often red), prolonged exposure might lead to breathing discomfort, particularly affecting those with heart disease. Finally, the 'Very Poor' category, above 400 (often maroon or dark red), poses significant risks, potentially causing respiratory illnesses with prolonged exposure, with more pronounced effects on individuals with pre-existing lung and heart conditions.
