The Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a numerical scale that measures air pollution levels in a specific area. It ranges from 0 to 500, with lower values indicating cleaner air and higher values reflecting more pollution. The AQI is divided into categories, each associated with different health concerns, from "Good" (0-50) meaning air is safe to breathe, to "Hazardous" (301-500), where the air poses serious health risks. It helps people understand when outdoor activities might be harmful due to poor air quality, encouraging informed decisions for health and safety.