The best description of air quality is typically provided through an index known as the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is a standardized system used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. It takes into account various pollutants, including:
- Ground-level ozone (O3)
- Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
The AQI ranges from 0 to 500, with lower values indicating good air quality and higher values indicating worse air quality. The categories include:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Moderate
- 101-150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- 151-200: Unhealthy
- 201-300: Very Unhealthy
- 301-500: Hazardous
By checking the AQI, individuals can get a quick and comprehensive understanding of the air quality in their area and take necessary actions if needed.