Air Quality Index

AIR QUALITY INDEX LAB

FINE PARTICULATE MATTER (PM2.5 - µg/m³) COARSE PARTICULATE MATTER (PM10 - µg/m³) NITROGEN DIOXIDE STAGNATION (NO2 - ppb)

COMPUTED INDEX VALUE

AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI)

ATMOSPHERIC PROFILE STATUS:

MODERATE AIR QUALITY

Air quality is acceptable; however, there may be a risk for some individuals sensitive to pollution.

*Calculated dynamically via piecewise continuous breakpoints matching regulatory environmental monitoring standards.

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What is an AQI Converter?

An Air Quality Index (AQI) Converter is a mathematical bridge. It takes raw environmental data—like the density of PM2.5 or Nitrogen Dioxide—and applies Linear Interpolation to place it on a universal 0 to 500 scale.

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Standardization

It turns complex metric readings into a unified language used by the EPA and WHO to report daily air quality.

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Risk Assessment

By categorizing values (e.g., "Moderate" or "Hazardous"), it identifies immediate health threats for sensitive populations.

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Scientific Accuracy

The conversion accounts for unique breakpoints across different gases like CO, $SO_{2}$, and $O_{3}$.

AQI VALUE

What is Concentration?

Concentration measured in µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter) represents the physical density of a pollutant. It is the raw laboratory value before it is converted into the consumer-friendly AQI score.

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Microgram (µg)

One microgram is one-millionth of a gram. Even these microscopic amounts of matter can trigger severe respiratory responses.

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Cubic Meter (m³)

Imagine a box exactly 1 meter wide, tall, and deep. We measure how many micrograms of toxic particles are floating inside that specific space.

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The AQI Link

Different pollutants have different toxicity levels; for example, 15 µg/m³ of PM2.5 is far more dangerous than 15 µg/m³ of PM10.

µg/m³

Unit of Density

Relative Humidity (%)

Relative Humidity is the ratio of the current amount of water vapor in the air to the maximum amount the air can hold at its current temperature. In air quality analysis, moisture acts as a catalyst for chemical reactions.

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Saturation Point

At 100% RH, the air is fully saturated. Moisture begins to condense into fog or liquid droplets, often trapping pollutants near the ground.

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Hygroscopic Growth

Many pollutants are "water-loving." High humidity causes particles like PM2.5 to absorb water, increasing their size and mass, which your calculator must account for.

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Thermal Dependence

Warmer air can hold significantly more water vapor than cold air. This is why RH is "relative" to the temperature input in your AQI formula.

65%

Moisture Index

Temperature (°C)

Temperature measures the kinetic energy of air molecules. In air quality science, it is the primary driver of Inversion Layers and the formation of secondary pollutants like ground-level Ozone.

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Thermal Dispersion

Warmer air is less dense and rises, carrying pollutants away. Conversely, cold air can trap smog near the surface in a "cap" known as a temperature inversion.

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Reaction Catalyst

High temperatures accelerate the chemical reactions between Nitrogen Oxides and Sunlight, rapidly increasing Ozone levels during summer months.

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Data Integrity

Electronic sensors are sensitive to heat. Including the temperature in your calculation allows the converter to adjust for "thermal noise" in the raw data.

25°C

Ambient Heat

Atmospheric Pollutant Profiles

PM2.5 (Fine Particulate)

Microscopic particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These are small enough to enter the bloodstream and lungs, originating from vehicle exhausts, power plants, and wildfires.

⚠️ HIGHEST HEALTH RISK

PM10 (Coarse Dust)

Particulates up to 10 micrometers. Consists of dust, pollen, and mold. While larger than PM2.5, they still cause significant respiratory inflammation and irritation.

NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide)

A pungent gas formed primarily from burning fuel. It is a major precursor to ground-level ozone and smog, often peaking in heavy urban traffic areas.

CO (Carbon Monoxide)

A colorless, odorless gas. It interferes with the blood's ability to carry oxygen. High concentrations are typically found near congested roads or indoor combustion sources.

SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide)

Produced by volcanic activity and industrial processes (burning fossil fuels with sulfur). It causes acid rain and severe respiratory distress upon inhalation.

* Concentrations are typically measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) or parts per million (ppm).