Why Should I Pay Attention to the Air Quality Index?

Air pollution is a serious issue that can have significant impacts on both outdoor and indoor air quality. The effects of air pollution can range from mild discomfort to serious health problems, and we must take steps to reduce exposure and improve air quality.

The air quality index (AQI) is a measure of the quality of the air we breathe, taking into account the concentration of pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide.

AQI in metro cities of India varies, but it is generally considered to be poor. Many cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, have some of the highest levels of air pollution in the world. The main sources of air pollution in these cities include vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, and the burning of fossil fuels for energy production.

The AQI is calculated based on the concentrations of several pollutants, including particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide. Each pollutant is assigned a subindex, and the overall AQI is the highest of the subindices.

As a result of these pollutants, the AQI in many cities in India can be very low, indicating poor air quality. When air pollution levels are high, the AQI can become very low, indicating poor air quality.

The AQI is divided into six categories: Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous. Each category corresponds to a different level of air pollution and associated health risks. For example, an AQI of 50 or below is considered Good, while an AQI of 300 or higher is considered Hazardous.

People need to be informed about the AQI and take steps to protect their health when the air quality is poor. This can include staying indoors, using air purifiers, and avoiding activities that generate pollutants.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has recently risen to the top of the list for people, industries, and government entities. According to research studies, people tend to spend 90% of their time in indoor environments.

Many of the same pollutants that are found outdoors can also be found indoors, and they can come from a variety of sources, including cleaning products, building materials, and outdoor air pollution. Poor indoor air quality can cause a variety of health issues, including respiratory issues and equipment corrosion concerns in commercial and industrial settings.

To improve air quality, both indoors and outdoors, it is important to reduce our exposure to air pollutants. This can include steps such as reducing our use of chemicals and products that emit harmful pollutants, improving ventilation in our homes and workplaces, and reducing emissions from transportation and energy production.

The Indian government and local authorities are taking steps to improve air quality in metro cities, including promoting the use of cleaner sources of energy, improving public transportation, and implementing regulations to reduce emissions from industry and vehicles. However, much more work needs to be done to improve air quality in these cities and protect the health of citizens.

American Air Filter (AAF) is a leading air filtration solution provider in India, offering a wide range of air filters, air purifiers, and IAQ audit solutions to all conditioned spaces. All our filtration solutions will provide good IAQ and clean, healthy indoor air.

In conclusion, the AQI is a valuable tool for understanding and addressing air pollution. It helps people make informed decisions about their health and helps policymakers and industry leaders take action to reduce air pollution. With the increasing awareness of air pollution and its effects on health, the AQI is becoming more widely recognized and understood.