How and why does AQI matter for a city?

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How and why does AQI matter for a city

Have you ever felt that “breath of fresh air” has become as scarce as air itself? Well, let’s say hello to the narrator of that story – Air Quality Index.

Air quality is a product of complex interactions between several chemical reactions and biological parameters in our surroundings. The air quality index (AQI) is an index for reporting air quality on a day to day basis. It is a measure of how pollution affects one’s health within a brief period of time. The resolution behind AQI is to aid people know how the local quality of air impacts their health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculates the AQI for five major air pollutants, that national air quality standards are established to safeguard public health:

  • Ground-level ozone
  • Particle pollution/particulate matter (PM2.5/pm 10)
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Sulphur dioxide
  • Nitrogen dioxide

The higher the index, the greater the extent of pollution and therefore the greater the health concerns.

How did AQI come to light?

Clean air is a basic requirement when it involves healthy living for mankind. Today, the poor air quality is one amongst the reasons for several acute health diseases. The concept of AQI has been widely utilized in many developed countries for over the last three decades. It is crucial to understand the quality of the air of your respective locality, city, and nation to evaluate its impact on your health. A broad overview of the high pollution concentrations isn’t sufficient for the citizens to assess the urban air quality. The public needs details on the pollution levels and the related potential health risks of air pollution presented in a simple, understandable format and special measures to reduce pollution are necessary for the well-being of the people living nearby. Air Quality Index is a scale designed to give the present air quality status to the people in readily comprehensible terms. AQI quickly disseminates air quality information in real-time.

AQI of Pune in Comparison with Other Cities

Air Quality Index generally ranges from 0-500, 0 being the lowest index and the lower the index, the better the air quality of the city.

  • Pune has an AQI ranging from 100-140
  • Mumbai has an AQI ranging from 160-210 which is very unhealthy
  • Hyderabad has an AQI ranging from 90-140
  • Bangalore has an AQI ranging from 70-120
  • Chennai has an AQI ranging from 120-160
  • Delhi has a maximum AQI of 500 and the average range is 190-250
  • Kolkata has an AQI ranging from 110-170

Air quality index is higher near specific pollution sources such as traffic junctions, industrial areas, mines, etc.

Why does AQI matter?

The main aim of AQI is to inform and caution the public about the risks of exposure to daily pollution levels. It converts the complex air quality data of various pollutants/contaminants into a numerical value (index value), terminology and colour for the ease of understanding.

This index particularly considers the people sensitive towards pollution and advises them ways to guard themselves from different health risks posed at various air quality levels. Along with indexing the air quality, AQI also provides advice on how one can improve the standard of the air one inhales. Doctors also use AQI in predicting a surge in cases of respiratory anxiety.

At 4 Taljai Hills, you get to breathe freshness, the moment you enter the premises. The verdant surroundings ensure that the phrase – “a breath of fresh air” is completely justified. Being, located atop the Hills on Taljai, this place enjoys the lowest AQI as compared to the city and also, pollution is at its minimum here. So, come experience nature in its purest form. Visit us today or log in to www.4taljaihills.in to know more.

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