The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized system used to measure and communicate the quality of air in a specific area. It provides information about how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health effects might be of concern for the general public. The AQI is calculated based on the concentrations of various pollutants, including particulate matter, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide.
The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500, with lower values indicating better air quality and higher values indicating worse air quality. Each range is color-coded to help people easily understand the level of pollution: green signifies good air quality, while red indicates unhealthy levels. Monitoring the AQI can help individuals make informed decisions about outdoor activities, especially those sensitive to air pollution, such as children and the elderly.