Air Quality Index Lahore (AQI) – Air quality refers to the quality of air with reference to the presence of various particles in the air. The presence of dust, fog, smog and smoke in the air.
The air quality guage also shows the presence of PM2.5, PM10, ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO). Each pollutant’s concentration is converted into a standardized AQI scale, which ranges from 0 to 500.
Air Quality Index Measurement:
| AQI Range | Air Quality Status | Implications for Human Health |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | Good Air Quality. | Air quality poses little to no risk. |
| 51–100 | Moderate Air Quality. | Air quality is acceptable whereas, it may be risky for some sensitive people. |
| 101–150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups of people. | Sensitive individuals, such as those with asthma, may experience health effects. Healthy and strong people may not affect from this level. |
| 151–200 | Unhealthy for all age groups of people. | Everyone may begin to experience adverse health effects. |
| 201–300 | Very Unhealthy for all age groups of people. | Health warnings for the entire population of every age group. |
| 301–500 | Hazardous for health of everyone. | Serious health effects and emergencies likely for everyone. |
Key Pollutants for Air Quality
- PM2.5 and PM10: Tiny particles that penetrate the respiratory system and cause serious health problems.
- Ozone (O₃): A harmful gas at ground level, resulting from vehicle emissions and industrial activities.
- NO₂ and SO₂: Gases mainly produced by industrial processes and vehicle engines.
- CO: Carbon monoxide from combustion sources, harmful at high levels.
How to Keep Yourself from AQI
- Monitor AQI: Use real-time apps or websites to track air quality (e.g., World Air Quality Index Project).
- Limit Exposure: Stay indoors during high-pollution periods and avoid physical exertion outside.
- Purify Indoor Air: Use air purifiers and keep windows closed.
- Wear Masks: N95 masks are effective in filtering out particulate matter