November 8, 2024
Air quality refers to the condition of the air in a particular area, measured by the concentration of pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
The AQI is a scale that ranges from 0 to 500, where lower values indicate cleaner air and higher values represent poorer air quality. An AQI above 300 is considered "severe."
Common pollutants include particulate matter (PM), ground-level ozone, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, which can harm respiratory health.
Poor air quality, especially with high levels of PM2.5, can lead to serious health issues like asthma, lung disease, and cardiovascular problems, particularly for sensitive groups like children and the elderly.
Weather, traffic emissions, industrial activities, and natural events like forest fires contribute to fluctuating air quality levels, with smog and fog worsening conditions in cities like Delhi.