Table below shows Air Quality Data across metro cities in India. It uses a new algorithm (NowCast AQI) which is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s way for tracking air quality data. NowCast is better suited to react to fluctuations in pollution concentrations and to keep you aware of the most current air quality conditions. NowCast AQI numbers are also applied to the color-coded health advisory table for different cities in India. We are also now able to publicize hourly concentrations of the PM 2.5 particles used to calculate the AQI. Air quality monitors measure PM 2.5 particulates on select office compounds in these cities. Citywide analysis cannot be done, however, on data from a single machine.
PM 2.5 is a standard recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For more information on PM2.5 and air quality in general, please visit the EPA site. The index is calculated based on data over a 24-hour period. If and when you see a reading of “0” [zero] for any of the readings, please disregard it as that indicates the AQI server is currently unavailable.
| Air Quality Index (AQI) |
PM2.5 Health Effects Statement |
PM 2.5 Cautionary Statement |
Good (0-50) |
PM2.5 air pollution poses little or no risk. | None |
Moderate (51-100) |
Unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms. | Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. |
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150) |
Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly. | People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. |
| Unhealthy (151-200) |
Increased aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; increased respiratory effects in general population. | People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion; everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. |
| Very Unhealthy (201-300) |
Significant aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; significant increase in respiratory effects in general population. | People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. |
| Hazardous (301-500) |
Serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; serious risk of respiratory effects in general population. | Everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors; people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors and keep activity levels low. |
