What Is Air Quality Index?

We all know that the air in our cities is polluted, but are we aware of how much it is the level of pollution, how bad it is for our health, and how we can fix this problem?

The air quality index is a parameter that helps us measure the level of pollution in the air. In this article, we’ll explore how it is calculated and how we can improve the quality of air surrounding us.

---

Key Takeaways

• Air Quality Index (AQI) is calculated using established standards based on medical research.
• Air pollution is considered to number one cause of lungs and respiratory tract diseases. 
• An air purifier can help you immensely in maintaining the quality of air around you.

---

What is Air Quality Index?

An air quality index is a scale that can show how polluted air is. Such a scale usually comes with the risks associated with each level of air pollution.

So an Air Quality Index (AQI) is calculated using established standards based on medical research for the acceptable levels of major air pollutants.

There are many Air quality indexes that are used by different governments or agencies. It doesn’t matter which one you use.

Also, what matters is that you are given the possibility to be aware of the level of pollution in your town, around your house or your office, and find a solution for it.

Read: 6 Best Homedics Air Purifier For You

Read: How To Tell If An Air Purifier Is Working?

---

AQI indicator

AQI Color	Levels of Concern	Index Values	Air Quality Description
Green	Good	0-50	Little or no risk.
Yellow	Moderate	51-100	Acceptable air quality. However, not good for extra sensitive people.
Orange	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	101-150	The general public is at less risk, but unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Red	Unhealthy for all	151-200	General public may experience health effects and poses serious health threat to sensitive groups
Purple	Very Unhealthy	201-300	Health risks for everyone
Maroon	Hazardous	301-higher	Extremely bad for everyone

¹

---

Damaging Repercussions of Air Pollution

Together with the smoke of cigarettes, air pollution is considered to number one cause of lungs and respiratory tract diseases. 

So we do not always can take action to lower the levels of pollution in our city; this is the responsibility of local entities.

But what can we do to improve the quality of the air inside our houses and offices? ²

---

Major Pollutants Present in the Air

According to the Clean Air Act these are the five major contributors in air pollution:

• Sulfur dioxide
• Particle pollution (including PM2.5 and PM10)
• Ground-level ozone
• Carbon monoxide
• Nitrogen dioxide

---

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Pollution?

Assuming that you are healthy and pollution can’t possibly harm you is the biggest misconception because pollution affects each one of us, and we do not even realize it until it’s too late. Here’s what you can do to keep your family and yourself protected:

1. Be mindful that your health can get affected by pollution too, and avoid doing things that add to more pollution.
2. The elderly and children are prone to lung and other diseases, so make sure they do not go out during days when the pollution level is too high. You can check pollution levels online or buy a meter for this.
3. You can get an air purifier to make sure that at least the air that you are breathing indoors is free of toxins.
4. Avoid high-traffic areas and do not plan outdoor activities near such areas. ³

---

Things You Can Do to Avoid Pollution

Here are some practices for you that will help you in contributing less to pollution:

• Use vehicles only when it is really necessary and even for large distances use public transport.
• Use less plastic and other non-biodegradable material that adds a lot to pollution.
• Try to make people around you understand their duty towards the environment and persuade them to accept these practices.
• Turn off your engine during traffic signals to avoid contributing to air pollution.
• Try to plant more trees and ask people around you to do the same.
• Do not light backyard fires, and also, avoid burning anything waste and other things in the city. ⁴

---

What’s the Role of Air Purifiers in This?

An air purifier would serve a double purpose.

First of all, an air purifier is always equipped with an air quality sensor.

Thanks to its own air quality index, the air purifier would let you know if and how much the air in your surroundings is polluted.

Of course, the air purifier is also capable of cleaning the air and removing pollution.

Air purifiers work thanks to filters: they suck in air, they let it pass through filters that can retain pollutant particles, and also blow clean air back into the room.

Read: How Does An Air Purifier Work?

---

Should You Buy an Air Purifier?

An air purifier won’t clean the air in your town, but it would create a healthy indoor environment. You should have an air purifier in the place you spend the majority of your time.

Other than your house, air purifiers are usually used inside offices to create a healthier environment for all workers.

---

Conclusion

The first step to creating healthier environments for you and your family or coworkers is being aware of the risks.

Now that you know that air pollution is a serious problem and how you can spot it, it’s easier to find a solution.

While you may adopt eco-friendly behaviors on a daily basis, an air purifier is the best solution to create the healthiest indoor environment.

Read: What Makes A Good Air Purifier?

---

FAQ’s

What is a good AQI?

AQI below 50 is considered good, and above 300 is considered hazardous.

Which place has the cleanest air on earth?

Finland has the cleanest and pure air on earth. In fact, the level of airborne particles is only six micrograms per cubic meter in Finland.

Does rain help in getting rid of pollution?

Rain washes away the dust, dirt, and other material present in the air. So yes, it does help in removing the pollutants in the air to some extent.