World's Most Air - Polluted Countries & Cities

# Air Quality Index

An** air quality index (AQI)** is used by government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. AQI information is obtained by averaging readings from an air quality sensor, which can increase due to vehicle traffic, forest fires, or anything that can increase air pollution. Pollutants tested include ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, among others.

Public health risks increase as the AQI rises, especially affecting children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular issues. During these times, governmental bodies generally encourage people to reduce physical activity outdoors, or even avoid going out altogether. The use of face masks such as cloth masks may also be recommended.

Different countries have their own air quality indices, corresponding to different national air quality standards.

**## Overview **

Computation of the AQI requires an air pollutant concentration over a specified averaging period, obtained from an air monitor or model. Taken together, concentration and time represent the dose of the air pollutant. Health effects corresponding to a given dose are established by epidemiological research. Air pollutants vary in potency, and the function used to convert from air pollutant concentration to AQI varies by pollutant. Its air quality index values are typically grouped into ranges. Each range is assigned a descriptor, a color code, and a standardized public health advisory.

On a day when the AQI is predicted to be elevated due to fine particle pollution, an agency or public health organization might:

• Advise sensitive groups, such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular problems, to avoid outdoor exertion.[6]
• Declare an "action day" to encourage voluntary measures to reduce air emissions, such as using public transportation.[7]
• Recommend the use of masks to keep fine particles from entering the lungs