Air Quality Index - what is it and how to read it?

Constant monitoring of the air and insight into its quality and level of pollution is a very useful tip. This is precisely what the air quality index says, thanks to which we know the condition of the air we breathe and when it is safe to spend time outdoors.

What is the air quality index?

Air Quality Index - or Air Quality Index (AQI) is an indicator used to measure air quality, which covers a scale from 0 to 500. The indicators are given in micrograms (µg) per cubic meter. The higher the indicator, the more polluted the air is and its quality is worse. The indicators are determined based on the forecast of concentrations of pollutants such as:

• sulfur dioxide
• carbon monoxide
• nitric oxide
• benzene
• ozone
• suspended dust PM10 and PM2.5

PM10 and PM2.5 suspended particulate matter are particularly dangerous. These are particulate matter that are particularly harmful to the entire ecosystem, including the human body. PM10 suspended particulate matter are particles whose diameter is less than 10 μm. They may contain highly hazardous substances belonging to the aromatic hydrocarbon group, such as heavy metals, dioxins or even the extremely harmful benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) with carcinogenic effects. In the case of PM10 suspended particulate matter, the level for the intra-annual concentration that is considered permissible is 40 μg/m3. PM2.5 suspended particulate matter, on the other hand, has a diameter of less than 2.5 μm. These are very microscopic particles that can reach the upper respiratory tract, lungs, and even penetrate the blood. The permissible level of PM2.5 suspended particulate matter for the intra-annual concentration is 25 μg/m3.

How to read IJP

In Poland, a new method of calculating the air quality index was developed, introduced by the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection. According to the new method of calculation, the pollutants that prevail at a given time in a given area are taken into account. In Poland we have 6 classes defining air quality and the impact of pollution on our health.

• Very good (0-50) - air quality at a very good level, the air does not adversely affect health during physical activity and staying outdoors.

• Good (50-100) - the air does not pose a health risk, or only to a small extent. You can stay outside freely.

• Moderate (101-150) - the air may be dangerous for the elderly, small children, pregnant women or people struggling with diseases (e.g. respiratory system). Time spent outdoors should be limited.

• Sufficient (151-200) - the air may pose a health risk (especially for sensitive people and those struggling with various diseases). Outdoor activities should be limited.

• Bad (201-300) - the air quality is bad. It is heavily polluted, so sick people, the elderly, pregnant women and small children should avoid being outdoors. Other people should limit their time outdoors to a minimum and it is best to avoid outdoor sports.

• Very bad (below 300) - the air quality is very bad and has a negative impact on health. Sick people, the elderly, pregnant women and small children should not be outdoors, and physical activity in the open air should be completely limited. As a result of staying in such polluted air, there may be, among others, disorders in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

No index (item marked in grey) - occurs when no automatic measurements are carried out at a given measuring station of those pollutants that are most decisive for the air quality in a given area and at a given time.

How to read PM10 and PM2.5 dust concentration results

For suspended particulate matter, the scale of the value range is as follows: PM10

• Very good: 0-20
• Good: 20.1 - 50
• Moderate: 50.1 - 80
• Sufficient: 80.1 - 110
• Bad: 110.1 - 150
• Very bad: >150

PM2.5

• Very good: 0 - 13
• Good: 13.1 - 35
• Moderate: 35.1 - 55
• Sufficient: 55.1 - 75
• Bad: 75.1 - 110
• Very bad: >110

Where to check IJP

Concentration measurements come from automatic measurement stations of the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, which operates within the PMŚ - i.e. State Environmental Monitoring. Current measurement data can be checked on the Inspectorate's website. Link: https: //połowie.gios.gov.pl/pjp/current# You can also download the free application “Air Quality in Poland”, which is the official application of the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. More information: https://powietrze.gios.gov.pl/pjp/content/mobile_app