The Air Quality Index, or AQI, measures and reports the quality of air, helping people understand how clean or polluted the air is and its possible health effects. Governments and environmental agencies use the AQI to alert the public about hazardous air conditions.
Read on to discover what the air quality index is.
AQI categories
The AQI is divided into different categories. These categories help people understand what AQI is and the air pollution level.
The AQI categories and their meanings are as follows:
|
AQI value
|
Category
|
Colour code
|
|
0-50
|
Good
|
Green
|
|
51-100
|
Moderate
|
Yellow
|
|
101-150
|
Unhealthy for sensitive groups
|
Orange
|
|
151-200
|
Unhealthy
|
Red
|
|
201-300
|
Very unhealthy
|
Purple
|
|
301+
|
Hazardous
|
Maroon
|
AQI health impact
Different AQI levels have different effects on health. Some of the main health impacts are:
- Good (0-50): No negative health effects. People can go outside without concern.
- Moderate (51-100): Some people with asthma or lung diseases may experience mild symptoms like coughing, throat irritation or shortness of breath.
- Unhealthy for sensitive groups (101-150): People with respiratory diseases, children, and the elderly may suffer from aggravated asthma, wheezing and increased mucus production.
- Unhealthy (151-200): Many people may experience symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath and irritation in the eyes, nose and throat.
- Very unhealthy (201-300): Severe respiratory symptoms may develop, including significant breathing difficulties, lung inflammation and increased risk of heart attacks. Outdoor exposure should be avoided.
- Hazardous (301+): Serious health effects such as reduced lung function, heart complications and increased risk of stroke.
Conclusion
The AQI is a important tool for understanding air pollution levels and making informed decisions about outdoor activities. It helps determine when it is safe to go outside and when extra precautions are necessary. Poor air quality can have health effects, especially for groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with lung conditions.
Beyond monitoring air quality, proactive steps such as routine medical checkups are essential for maintaining good health. Regular health screenings can help detect signs of illnesses on time, ensuring timely treatment and prevention.
Comprehensive health insurance policies can cover the costs of doctor visits, diagnostic tests, medications and hospitalisation if needed. Additionally, health insurance for family provides financial protection for your entire family, ensuring access to quality healthcare.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.