Full formGeneral
AQIstands forAir Quality Index
Full Form of AQI
What is AQI?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a numerical scale used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. In India, the AQI is calculated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) based on concentrations of major pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and ammonia. The index ranges from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating greater health risks. AQI values are categorized into six levels: Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderately Polluted (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500). The AQI is widely reported by media, weather apps, and government websites, especially in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru where air pollution is a major concern. It is used by authorities to issue health advisories and by individuals to plan outdoor activities. In competitive exams like UPSC, state PCS, and environment-related tests, AQI is frequently asked as a current affairs or environmental science topic, often with questions on its classification and health impacts. Understanding AQI helps citizens make informed decisions to reduce exposure to harmful air pollution.
AQI का फुल फॉर्म
वायु गुणवत्ता सूचकांक
Example
Today’s AQI in Delhi is 340, which falls under the ‘Very Poor’ category, so schools have been advised to suspend outdoor activities.
AQI — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of AQI?
The full form of AQI is Air Quality Index, a tool to measure and communicate daily air pollution levels.
How is AQI calculated in India?
In India, AQI is calculated by the Central Pollution Control Board using the concentrations of eight major pollutants, with PM2.5 and PM10 being the key ones.
What do different AQI colors mean?
The six AQI categories range from Good (green) to Severe (maroon), each indicating the level of health concern associated with the air quality.