Air pollution has been increasing alarmingly. Therefore, we must effectively try to reduce it. However, to reduce, we must know how polluted it is and its serious threat. To ensure so, Air Quality Index and Air Quality Alert are essential.
The following article discusses the importance and working of so. Therefore, continue reading for a better understanding.
What is the Air Quality Index?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) shows you how polluted or clean your air is. Several major cities in the world monitor this air quality regularly.
Focus: Basically, AQI focuses on the severe health issues resulting from breathing polluted air.
The environmental protection organizations calculate this Air Quality Index for the 5 major air pollutants. These are ground-level ozone, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter.
These five pollutants have their air quality standards.
Working of the AQI
There is a range from 0-500. Note that the more the value of AQI, the higher is the pollution level. Besides, these readings are easy to understand. It comes in different colors symbolising the various air quality conditions.
The table below assists your understanding.
| AQI | Health issues | Color |
| 0-50 | This range is a good quality of air. There is no risk to your health in this air quality. | Green |
| 51-100 | It is a moderate range. | Yellow |
| 101-150 | This range of air quality is unhealthy. Especially for children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people who are already suffering from serious diseases. | Orange |
| 151-200 | This range of air quality is so bad that people get affected by several health issues. | Red |
| 201-300 | It is an alarming air quality range. It highlights a severe health alert. | Purple |
| 301-500 | Anything greater than 300 is an emergency condition. | Maroon |
The Effectiveness of Air Quality Alert
According to a study in Toronto, Canada, the air quality alert is somehow effective in protecting the public health.
Due to these alerts, there was a reduced emergency rom visits for asthma by nearly 25%. However, there was no reduction in the number of deaths by respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
Basically, this air pollution, according to the researchers, is a more significant problem. There must be imposition of strict restrictions on burning fossil fuels and other such stuff.
Here is an example. Chile has been through worse air pollution than Toronto. However, with enforceable measures taken by their government, like closing factories, restricting biomass burning, there has been less air pollution.
There was 20% less air pollution. Also, it prevented 20 deaths per million people per day.
Some Basic Tips to Improve Air Quality
Here are some tips on how you can somehow contribute to improving the air quality. Basically, conserving energy is a must to improve air quality. Have a look at the following points.
- Turn off the unnecessary lights.
- It is better to turn the thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter.
- Try to use energy star appliances.
- Drive less. Make use of bicycles where possible for transportation.
- It is better to keep your car tuned, and tires inflated.
- Avoid using the gas-powered lawnmower.
- Use low-VOC paint.
- Avoid using aerosol products.
- Stop burning leaves, garbage.
Final Words
Thus, to conclude, all we need to do now is contribute to improving the air quality. We must protect the environment from pollution and, therefore, protect ourselves in the process.
Air pollution is dangerous, and it has to be reduced.
Santanu Bit Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of REVIEWCIRCLES. He is Bachelor of Science has experience of 5+ years in Technology Blogging, Consumer Behaviour study and his expertise area includes Heavy To Large Appliances and Consumer Electronics.