Air Quality Index (AQI)
Why in news :
- Recently various experts have warned that Mumbai is likely to experience an increasing number of days with ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ air quality in the coming years during winter months.
- The Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Mumbai from recorded using the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) mobile application shows that the prevailing poor air quality in Mumbai may not be due to the emission levels from industries alone.
Air Quality Index :
- The National Air Quality Index (AQI) was launched by the Government of India under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
- The proposed AQI will consider eight pollutants.
- They are PM10, PM5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb.
- There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderate, Poor, Severe, and Hazardous.
|
AQI Category, Pollutants and Health Breakpoints |
|||||||||
| AQI Category (Range) | PM10 (24hr) | PM2.5 (24hr) | NO2 (24hr) | O3 (8hr) | CO (8hr) | SO2 (24hr) | NH3 (24hr) | Pb (24hr) | Colour |
| Good (0–50) | 0–50 | 0–30 | 0–40 | 0–50 | 0–1.0 | 0–40 | 0–200 | 0–0.5 | Deep Green |
| Satisfactory (51–100) | 51–100 | 31–60 | 41–80 | 51–100 | 1.1–2.0 | 41–80 | 201–400 | 0.5–1.0 | Light Green |
| Moderate (101–200) | 101–250 | 61–90 | 81–180 | 101–168 | 2.1–10 | 81–380 | 401–800 | 1.1–2.0 | Yellow |
| Poor (201–300) | 251–350 | 91–120 | 181–280 | 169–208 | 10–17 | 381–800 | 801–1200 | 2.1–3.0 | Orange |
| Severe (301–400) | 351–430 | 121–250 | 281–400 | 209–748 | 17–34 | 801–1600 | 1200–1800 | 3.1–3.5 | Red |
| Hazardous (401-500) | 430+ | 250+ | 400+ | 748+ | 34+ | 1600+ | 1800+ | 3.5+ | Maroon |
| AQI | Associated Health Impacts |
| Good (0-50) | Minimal impact |
| Satisfactory (51-100) | May cause minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people. |
| Moderate (101-200) | May cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disease such as asthma, and discomfort to people with heart disease, children and older adults. |
| Poor (201-300) | May cause breathing discomfort to people on prolonged exposure, and discomfort to people with heart disease. |
| Very Poor (301-400) | May cause respiratory illness to the people on prolonged exposure. Effect may be more pronounced in people with lung and heart diseases. |
| Severe (401-500) | May cause respiratory impact even on healthy people, and serious health impacts on people with lung/heart disease. The health impacts may be experienced even during light physical activity. |
SAFAR (System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research) :
- It is a mobile app which is launched by Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
- The aim is to provide online metro Air Quality information Service in real time through the app.
Syllabus : prelims – Environment; pollution in Indian cities
