Air Quality Index Hub

Understanding air quality indices from around the world and what they mean for your health

What is the Air Quality Index?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized indicator that tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern.

Easy to Understand

Converts complex air quality data into simple numbers and colors

Health-Focused

Provides health advice based on current pollution levels

Real-Time Updates

Updated regularly to reflect current air quality conditions

US EPA AQI Levels

Understanding the six categories of air quality

0-50

Good

Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

💡 Enjoy outdoor activities!

51-100

Moderate

Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people.

💡 Sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.

101-150

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.

💡 Children, elderly, and people with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activities.

151-200

Unhealthy

Some members of the general public may experience health effects.

💡 Everyone should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

201-300

Very Unhealthy

Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.

💡 Avoid outdoor activities. Keep windows closed.

300+

Hazardous

Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.

💡 Stay indoors and keep activity levels low. Wear a mask if you must go outside.

AQI Systems Around the World

Different countries use different methodologies to calculate and communicate air quality

🌐

UrbanReflex NGSI-LD

UrbanReflex AQI

Real-time air quality data from UrbanReflex NGSI-LD Context Broker with standardized measurements.

Scale:0-500
Pollutants:
PM2.5PM10O3NO2SO2CO
🇻🇳

Vietnam

Vietnam AQI

Vietnam's national air quality standard based on major pollutants.

Scale:0-500
Pollutants:
PM2.5PM10O3NO2SO2CO
🇺🇸

United States

US EPA AQI

The US Environmental Protection Agency AQI is a standardized indicator of air quality.

Scale:0-500
Pollutants:
PM2.5PM10O3NO2SO2CO
🇨🇳

China

China AQI

Chinese Air Quality Index based on 6 major pollutants.

Scale:0-500
Pollutants:
PM2.5PM10O3NO2SO2CO
🇮🇳

India

AQI (National Air Quality Index)

India's national AQI launched in 2014 for major cities.

Scale:0-500
Pollutants:
PM2.5PM10O3NO2SO2CONH3Pb
🇪🇺

European Union

CAQI (Common Air Quality Index)

European Air Quality Index used across EU member states.

Scale:0-100+
Pollutants:
PM2.5PM10O3NO2

Common Air Pollutants

Learn about the pollutants measured in air quality indices

PM2.5

Fine Particulate Matter

Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers that can penetrate deep into lungs

Sources:

Vehicle emissions, industrial processes, wildfires

Health Effects:

Respiratory and cardiovascular problems

PM10

Coarse Particulate Matter

Particles smaller than 10 micrometers

Sources:

Dust, pollen, mold, construction

Health Effects:

Respiratory irritation, reduced lung function

O3

Ozone

Ground-level ozone formed by chemical reactions

Sources:

Vehicle emissions + sunlight, industrial emissions

Health Effects:

Breathing problems, asthma aggravation

NO2

Nitrogen Dioxide

Reddish-brown gas with pungent odor

Sources:

Vehicle emissions, power plants

Health Effects:

Respiratory inflammation, reduced immunity

SO2

Sulfur Dioxide

Colorless gas with sharp odor

Sources:

Coal and oil combustion, metal smelting

Health Effects:

Breathing difficulties, especially for asthmatics

CO

Carbon Monoxide

Colorless, odorless gas

Sources:

Vehicle emissions, incomplete combustion

Health Effects:

Reduces oxygen delivery to organs

Check Your Local Air Quality

Explore real-time air quality data from monitoring stations worldwide

Explore Air Quality Map