Air Quality Index (AQI) — What It Is and Why You Should Check It Daily
Air pollution causes millions of deaths every year globally and is a serious problem in many Indian cities. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardised scale that tells you how safe the air is to breathe at any given moment.
Check Live Air Quality (AQI)
Real-time pollution levels for any city worldwide.
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What Do the AQI Numbers Mean?
- 1 — Good 😊 — Air quality is satisfactory. Safe for everyone.
- 2 — Fair 🙂 — Acceptable. Sensitive people should limit outdoor activity.
- 3 — Moderate 😐 — Sensitive groups may experience effects. Reduce exertion.
- 4 — Poor 😷 — Everyone may experience effects. Wear a mask outdoors.
- 5 — Very Poor 🆘 — Serious health risk. Stay indoors. Wear N95 mask.
What Pollutants Are Measured?
Our AQI tool shows a breakdown of all major pollutants:
- PM2.5 — Fine particles that enter the lungs and bloodstream
- PM10 — Coarser dust particles
- NO₂ — Nitrogen dioxide from vehicles and industry
- O₃ — Ground-level ozone
- SO₂ — Sulphur dioxide from burning fuel
- CO — Carbon monoxide
Who Should Be Most Careful?
Children, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with asthma, heart disease, or lung conditions should check AQI daily and avoid outdoor activity on poor air quality days.
🇮🇳 India note: Delhi, Lucknow, and Patna regularly rank among the most polluted cities in the world. Always check AQI before morning walks or outdoor exercise.