Air Quality Index indicates how safe or polluted the air is, and the health concerns involved
The air quality deteriorates throughout India in October and November every year due to festivals, among other reasons. Post-Deepavali, Air Quality Index (AQI) is the most-talked about.
What is AQI?
The AQI is the yardstick used to report how clean or polluted the air is. It is used to help people know how the local air quality impacts their health. These indices indicate whether the amount of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide in the air exceeds the criteria set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or not.
How is AQI calculated?
To calculate AQI, an air monitor and an air pollutant concentration over a specified averaging period is needed. The results are grouped into ranges, and each range is assigned a descriptor, a colour code, and a standardised public health advisory.
The AQI categories are – Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderately polluted (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500) – with colour coding ranging from green to dark red.
What are AQI pollutants?
India launched the National Air Quality Index Standard (NAQI) on September 17, 2014. The National Air Monitoring Program (NAMP) covering 240 cities in the country is operated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
In India, the AQI keeps a tab on eight major air pollutants in the atmosphere – Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (03), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb).
Health risks
An increase in AQI increases public health risks, especially affecting children, elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular issues.
During these times, governments generally urge people to reduce physical activity outdoors, or even avoid going out altogether. The use of face masks such as cloth masks are also recommended.
Picture Credit : Google