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AQI Guide & Interpreter

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AQI Color Scale

0-50
Good
Safe for everyone.
51-100
Moderate
Sensitive groups should limit exertion.
101-150
Unhealthy (Sensitive)
General public not likely to be affected.
151-200
Unhealthy
Everyone begins to see health effects.
201-300
Very Unhealthy
Health alert: serious risk for all.
301+
Hazardous
Emergency conditions for all.

How to use the Complete Guide to Air Quality

The air we breathe is a complex cocktail of gases and particles. The Air Quality Index (AQI) simplifies this complex data into a single, easy-to-understand number, functioning like a 'thermometer' for pollution.

🌫️ The Invisible Killers (PM2.5 vs PM10)

PM10 (dust, pollen, mold) irritates eyes and throats. PM2.5 (combustion particles, metals) is far more dangerous because it penetrates deep into lung tissue and enters the bloodstream. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is linked to heart disease and reduced lung function.

🏠 Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air can be 2-5x more polluted than outdoor air. To improve it: 1) Use HEPA air purifiers. 2) Avoid indoor smoking and incense. 3) Ensure proper ventilation when cooking. Note: While houseplants look nice, you'd need hundreds of them to effectively clean the air in a single room.

☀️ Ozone (O3)

Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly but created by chemical reactions between sunlight and pollutants. It essentially acts as a sunburn for your lungs, causing immediate respiratory distress.

🏭 Major Sources of Pollution

Urban smog comes from Vehicle Exhaust (NOx) and industrial emissions. Rural areas often suffer from agricultural burning. Recently, Wildfire Smoke has become a primary driver of hazardous air quality globally.

😷 How to Protect Yourself

1) Check AQI daily. 2) Wear N95 masks when AQI > 150. 3) Seal windows and run fans with HEPA filters. 4) Avoid rush-hour jogging. Simple habits reduce lung inflammation long-term.

The Formula

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wearing a mask help?

Standard cloth or surgical masks offer little protection against PM2.5 particles. You need an **N95 or KN95 respirator** that fits tightly around your face to filter out fine particulate matter effectively.

Can I exercise during high AQI?

When AQI > 100 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups), reduce intensity. When AQI > 150 (Unhealthy), avoid outdoor exertion completely. Heavy breathing draws pollutants deeper into your lungs.

Does rain clean the air?

Yes! Rain acts as a natural 'scrubber' via a process called wet deposition, washing PM2.5 and PM10 particles out of the atmosphere and significantly improving air quality.