Air Quality Index
Air Quality Index (AQI), are simple indicators that make it possible to assess air quality. They are based on measurements or predictions of concentrations of selected air pollutants, primarily PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter, ozone O3, nitrogen dioxide NO2, sulfur dioxide SO2, benzene C6H6 and carbon monoxide CO.
In the Polish Environmental Quality Index, presented in our Geoportal, which was developed and recommended by the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Quality (pl. GIOŚ), there are six concentration ranges (air quality classes) established for each of these pollutants to assess the aero-sanitary conditions. Each class was also assigned the appropriate color.
| PM10 [µg/m3] | PM2.5 [µg/m3] | O3 [µg/m3] | NO2 [µg/m3] | SO2 [µg/m3] | C6H6 [µg/m3] | CO [µg/m3] | |
| 1. Good | 0 - 20 | 0 - 12 | 0 - 30 | 0 - 40 | 0 - 50 | 0 - 5 | 0 - 2499 |
| 2. Satisfactory | 21 - 60 | 13 - 36 | 31 - 70 | 41 - 100 | 51 - 100 | 6 - 10 | 2500 - 6499 |
| 3. Moderate | 61 - 100 | 37 - 60 | 71 - 120 | 101 - 150 | 101 - 200 | 11 - 15 | 6500 - 10499 |
| 4. Poor | 101 - 140 | 61 - 84 | 121 - 160 | 150 - 200 | 201 - 350 | 16 - 20 | 10500 - 14499 |
| 5. Very poor | 141 - 200 | 85 - 120 | 161 - 240 | 201 - 400 | 351 - 500 | 21 - 50 | 14500 - 20499 |
| 6. Severe | >200 | >120 | >240 | >400 | >500 | >50 | >20499 |
For better visibility, the color codes of the individual classes have been modified in relation to the indications proposed by the GIOŚ in the Geoportal of NaszePowietrze.
Determining the current air quality index involves finding the worst class determined for specific pollutants.
Example:
For a given day at 12:00, the following concentrations of pollutants were noted:
- PM10 - 141 µg/m3 (class 5., "very poor")
- PM2.5 - 125 µg/m3 (class 6., "severe")
- O3 - 36 µg/m3 (class 2., "satisfactory")
- NO2 - 121 µg/m3 (class 3., "poor")
- SO2 - 35 µg/m3 (class 1., "good")
- C6H6 - 1 µg/m3 (class 1., "good")
- CO - 300 µg/m3 (class 1., "good")
Considering these concentrations, the current Air Quality Index for 12:00 is 6. ("severe conditions"), and is determined by the concentration of PM2.5.
Health Information
For each of the Index classes, there were also possible health effects determined that people are exposed to in such conditions as well as simple guidelines to reduce the adverse impacts of pollution on the body.
VERY GOOD AIR QUALITY
The quality of the air is very good. Ideal conditions for outdoor activity. Air pollution does not pose a threat.
SATISFACTORY AIR QUALITY
The quality of the air is good. Good conditions for outdoor activity. Air pollution can be a minimal risk for people in a high-risk/sensitive group, including children, the elderly and people with heart or respiratory diseases.
MODERATE AIR QUALITY
The quality of the air is acceptable. Conditions acceptable for outdoor activities, although air pollution can pose a risk to people in a high-risk/sensitive group, including children, the elderly and people with heart or respiratory diseases.
POOR AIR QUALITY
The quality of the air is sufficient. It is recommended to limit outdoor activities. Air pollution can pose a risk for people in a high-risk/sensitive group, including children, the elderly and people with heart or respiratory diseases. Other people should limit staying outdoors, especially when they experience symptoms such as coughing or irritated throat.
VERY POOR AIR QUALITY
The quality of the air is bad. Outdoor activities are not recommended. People in a high-risk/sensitive group including children, the elderly and those with heart or respiratory diseases, should avoid staying outside. Other people should limit staying outside.
SEVERELY POOR AIR QUALITY
The air quality is very bad. Any outside activities are discouraged. People in a high-risk/sensitive group, including children, the elderly and those with heart or respiratory diseases should, in any event, avoid staying outdoors. Other people should limit outdoor exposure to a minimum.
Elaborated by LIFE-APIS / PL project team, based on GIOŚ materials
