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The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a matrix that indicates the air quality of a particular region of a particular time. The AQI acts as a health protection tool that shows the quality of the air in a particular region and also helps to determine the safety measures for humans. AQI shows the current air quality and the substances which are present in the air at a particular time and how badly it can impact the health of humans. AQI is an air monitoring tool that has the feature of differentiating elderly people, children, and sensitive groups to provide important advice. If the air quality of a particular place is not healthy for the above-mentioned people the tool shows relevant recommendations for them.
Concept of Air Quality Index and key points
Each state, country, and region has different air quality according to the number of pollutants that are present in the air. As stated before, AQI is an air monitoring tool that has a feature of continuous updating on the changing number of pollution in a particular region. AQI also stated the quality of the air and its effect on human health. It also provides advisory guidelines, the tool also declares an “action day” to encourage voluntary measures. The tools also provide some recommendations that help to prevent pollutants from entering the human body. This matrix has a maximum concentration standard of pollutants. If the tool observes the concentration number of pollutants is increasing, it declares the air of that region unhealthy. If the air quality becomes very poor, such as an air pollution episode, the tool indicates all the acute exposures that can be dangerous for human health and it also mentions some emergency plans that can be helpful.
Reason for why AQI is in the news
In present days, the number of pollutants is increasing day by day because of various reasons such as deforestation, urbanization, increasing number of factories, an increasing number of vehicles, usage of firecrackers, biomass burning, and so on. Thus, the number of pollutants is also increasing in the air which reduces the air quality. On the other hand, all these factors also impact the weather as well. Thus, it creates a health hazard and in recent days, the air quality of some regions is decreasing. It became a serious concern for the environmentalists as well as the health advisories.
India’s AQI
Indian AQI is differentiated into six groups. The AQI index shows the air quality by evaluating the number of pollutants that are present in the air of a particular region. The AQI tool also provides health advisory according to the air quality. When the AQI is 0-33 it is considered to have very good air quality and the people can enjoy activities without any restrictions. When the AQI is 34-65, it is also considered as good air quality, and people can live a normal life. Then in the third parameter, when the AQI indicates the AQI is 67-99, humans are unusually sensitive to air pollution. However, when the AQI is more than that, meaning the range is 100-149, it is considered poor and sensitive groups of people can be affected. If the AQI index shows a range between 150-200, it is considered as very poor air quality. Sensitive people should wear masks if they have to stay outdoors. Lastly, if the AQI shows the range of 200+, it is considered hazardous and people should stay in their homes.
Associated impact and extract of the subcommittee report (AQI)
Subcommittee report stated that “Sudden unforeseeable low winds” are the main reason for the falling air quality. The central pollution control board and the Indian Meteorological Department stated that firecrackers, biomass burning, and unfavorable weather conditions are the main reasons for the air quality. Thus, the association and the authority of the subcommittee took some initiatives such as odd-even restrictions on cars, closure of brick kings, reducing 30% vehicle usage to change the air quality.
Differentiation of AQI based on “one color, one number, and one description”
Different colors are used as indicators of the AQI matrix and this color should be followed by every region and country of the world. The number of pollutants that are present in the air and the severity is determined depending on their impact on human health. The world AQI matrix uses the same color to denote the air condition. The use of color is important for ensuring the common people that they understand the quality of air no matter wherever they travel.
Conclusion
An air quality index is a tool that evaluates and calculates the number of pollutants that are present in the air and can have a harmful impact on humans. If the people can track the pollutants number, they can take decisions accordingly and the government can take actions accordingly as well to reduce and control the decreasing air quality.
