What does the Air Quality Index (AQI) mean, and what does it help?

Arab Weather - The Air Quality Index provides information on air quality and the amount of basic pollutants in it, so that the air quality index is calculated according to the concentrations of these pollutants in the air.

There are five main pollutants that are measured:

1. Ozone (O3): What is meant here is ozone near the surface of the earth, and it is a secondary pollutant produced from photochemical reactions in the atmosphere, between nitrogen oxides and active hydrocarbons, and exposure to it leads to shortness of breath and eye irritation, especially in children and the elderly who suffer from diseases chronic;

2. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): It is one of the most common air pollutants, as it results from the combustion of fossil fuels. It can also be formed as a result of the oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen at high temperatures. Nitrogen dioxide affects the respiratory system of humans when inhaled.

3. Sulfur dioxide (SO2): It is a gas produced from the combustion of fossil fuels or other sulfur-containing materials, and it negatively affects the functions of the respiratory system, especially in children and the elderly who suffer from heart and lung diseases.

4. Carbon monoxide (CO): It is a poisonous, colorless and odorless gas that results from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. It may cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and increases the risk of heart disease, and exposure to it in high concentrations may lead to death. .

5. Particulate Matter, which are of two types:

• Particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers (PM10): They are very small solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, produced by natural factors or as a result of various human activities, these particles affect the respiratory system when inhaled, they cause eye and throat irritation, and may be deposited in the airways, Repeated exposure to it can lead to more serious health effects.

• Particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5): They are very small solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, the diameter of which does not exceed 2.5 micrometers, and they are produced by various industrial activities, and the danger is that after inhalation they can enter through the lungs into the bloodstream, and may cause problems Serious health, and exposure to these particles leads to coughing, difficulty breathing, and asthma, in addition to its effect in exacerbating the severity of chronic respiratory diseases.

air quality grades

The air quality index is a simplified method for converting data received from air quality monitoring and control stations into simple numbers, and classifying these numbers into degrees that are shown in specific colors. The higher the concentrations, the higher the index. The air quality scale is divided into six basic categories, namely:

Green (from 0 - 50) - healthy:

The air quality on this indicator is good, which is the ideal quality for most people, where they can enjoy their usual outdoor activities.

Yellow color (from 51 - 100) - moderate:

Air quality is generally moderate and acceptable for most people, but mild to moderate symptoms may appear with prolonged exposure to air, in some allergic people.

Orange color (from 101 - 150) - unhealthy for sensitive category:

Air pollution levels are considered high at this indicator, and the air quality becomes poor and unhealthy, especially for people with allergies, so the time spent outside should be reduced if symptoms such as: difficulty breathing, or throat irritation.

Red (from 151 - 200) - unhealthy:

This indicator means that the air is unhealthy. Health repercussions may appear as soon as people with allergies are exposed to this air. It also affects healthy people when exposed to air for long periods, as it may cause them to have difficulty breathing, and irritate the throat, so it is recommended to reduce outdoor activities.

Violet (from 201 to 300) - harmful:

The air at this indicator is completely unhealthy, and then health problems can appear in people with allergies, and they should avoid outdoor activities, and the rest of the people may have difficulty breathing and irritation in the throat, and it is advised not to go out and change the dates of outdoor activities.

Dark red or brown (from 301 - 500) - danger:

At this indicator, the air quality is very poor and becomes dangerous to health, as exposure to the air, even for short periods, may lead to serious health repercussions, so outdoor activities should be avoided.

Air quality index in different regions in Saudi Arabia.   from here

Air quality index in different regions in Jordan, from here