Delhi, the bustling capital of India, is no stranger to air quality concerns. With a population of over 16 million, it's one of the most polluted cities in the world, according to the World Health Organization. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a crucial tool in understanding and addressing this issue, providing a daily snapshot of Delhi's air quality.

a bar chart showing the number of new delhi's hazardous air problem
a bar chart showing the number of new delhi's hazardous air problem

The AQI in Delhi is calculated based on five major pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and O3. These pollutants are measured in various locations across the city and averaged to provide a single AQI value. This value is then categorized into six levels, ranging from 'Good' to 'Hazardous', to help residents understand the health risks associated with the air they breathe.

Dont need cigarette lungs are already fucked up 🌚
Dont need cigarette lungs are already fucked up 🌚

Understanding the Air Quality Index Levels

The AQI levels are designed to help residents understand the health risks associated with air pollution. Here's a breakdown of each level:

Delhi’s air pollution crisis: Government pushes for artificial rain to save the city
Delhi’s air pollution crisis: Government pushes for artificial rain to save the city

1. **Good (0-50)**: Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

PM2.5 Levels in 'Good' AQI

Air pollution: GRAP-3 measures invoked in Delhi-NCR; here’s full list of restrictions
Air pollution: GRAP-3 measures invoked in Delhi-NCR; here’s full list of restrictions

PM2.5, the most harmful type of particulate matter, is typically below 12 µg/m³ at this level.

Examples of activities that can be safely undertaken at this level include outdoor exercise and sports.

PM10 Levels in 'Good' AQI

New Delhi woke up on Wednesday to dangerously high levels of air pollution, becoming the most polluted city in the world. The air quality index (AQI) for PM10 particles surged past 500, which falls into the ā€œvery poor to hazardousā€ category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This level is 40 times higher than the daily safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the critical air quality situation. According to IQAir, New Delhi topped the list ... Pollution Levels By City, Bad Air Quality, Air Pollution In India Photo, India Air Pollution Trends, Pollution In Delhi Graphic, Air Pollution In India, Most Polluted City In India, Delhi Air Pollution Data, Satyawati College Delhi Air Quality
New Delhi woke up on Wednesday to dangerously high levels of air pollution, becoming the most polluted city in the world. The air quality index (AQI) for PM10 particles surged past 500, which falls into the ā€œvery poor to hazardousā€ category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This level is 40 times higher than the daily safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the critical air quality situation. According to IQAir, New Delhi topped the list ... Pollution Levels By City, Bad Air Quality, Air Pollution In India Photo, India Air Pollution Trends, Pollution In Delhi Graphic, Air Pollution In India, Most Polluted City In India, Delhi Air Pollution Data, Satyawati College Delhi Air Quality

PM10 levels are usually below 50 µg/m³ in 'Good' AQI.

Even sensitive groups, such as children, older adults, and those with heart or lung diseases, can engage in outdoor activities at this level.

Air Quality Index Levels and Health Impacts

Delhi Air Quality Index Remains Severe: Causes, Current AQI Levels
Delhi Air Quality Index Remains Severe: Causes, Current AQI Levels

As the AQI levels increase, so do the health risks associated with air pollution.

2. **Moderate (51-100)**: Air quality is acceptable; however, some people may experience health effects.

people are riding motorcycles down the road on a foggy day
people are riding motorcycles down the road on a foggy day
How to Make a DIY Air Purifier to Filter Smoke & Allergens
How to Make a DIY Air Purifier to Filter Smoke & Allergens
Air Quality Index
Air Quality Index
Delhi is facing a public health emergency
Delhi is facing a public health emergency
Delhi's minimum temperature rises slightly; air quality remains 'very poor'
Delhi's minimum temperature rises slightly; air quality remains 'very poor'
Delhi's air quality improves, but remains close to 'severe', curbs imposed
Delhi's air quality improves, but remains close to 'severe', curbs imposed
heavy traffic is backed up on a foggy highway in the middle of the day
heavy traffic is backed up on a foggy highway in the middle of the day
What Are the Leading Sources Causing Delhi’s Air Pollution?
What Are the Leading Sources Causing Delhi’s Air Pollution?
Delhi-NCR residents are struggling with toxic air as winter sets in, with no immediate relief in sight. On Friday, 14 November, the region experienced severe air quality for the fourth consecutive day. Most areas of Delhi recorded an AQI above 400, posing serious health risks. 

#Delhi #AQI #AirQualityIndex #Pollution #delhiair #ABPLive The Four, Winter Set, Health Risks, Air Quality, Pollution, Health, Instagram, Winter
Delhi-NCR residents are struggling with toxic air as winter sets in, with no immediate relief in sight. On Friday, 14 November, the region experienced severe air quality for the fourth consecutive day. Most areas of Delhi recorded an AQI above 400, posing serious health risks. #Delhi #AQI #AirQualityIndex #Pollution #delhiair #ABPLive The Four, Winter Set, Health Risks, Air Quality, Pollution, Health, Instagram, Winter
a black smokestack with the word delhi written on it in front of a map
a black smokestack with the word delhi written on it in front of a map
GRAP-IV measures to continue in Delhi-NCR
GRAP-IV measures to continue in Delhi-NCR
cars and people on the street in heavy smoggy weather with an advertisement for delhi air quality severe
cars and people on the street in heavy smoggy weather with an advertisement for delhi air quality severe
Causes of Delhi, India Being Ranked as the Worst Air Quality City in the World
Causes of Delhi, India Being Ranked as the Worst Air Quality City in the World
Delhi air pollution surges to emergency levels
Delhi air pollution surges to emergency levels
Delhiites May Lose 12 Years Of Life to Air Pollution: What About Other Cities?
Delhiites May Lose 12 Years Of Life to Air Pollution: What About Other Cities?
Delhi AQI crosses 300 mark in several areas, situation expected to worsen
Delhi AQI crosses 300 mark in several areas, situation expected to worsen
Delhi's air quality reaches 'severe'
Delhi's air quality reaches 'severe'
New Delhi | New York Post
New Delhi | New York Post
the air quality chart for india
the air quality chart for india
Delhi’s air quality remains ā€˜very poor’ for third consecutive day after Diwali, AQI at 362
Delhi’s air quality remains ā€˜very poor’ for third consecutive day after Diwali, AQI at 362

Moderate AQI and Sensitive Groups

Sensitive groups may experience health effects, such as respiratory irritation or shortness of breath, at this level.

Examples of activities that should be avoided or reduced at this level include prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

Moderate AQI and General Population

The general population is unlikely to be affected at this level, but people with lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

Examples of activities that can be safely undertaken include light outdoor exercise and sports.

Delhi's AQI levels often fluctuate, with 'Moderate' to 'Very Unhealthy' levels being common during winter months due to crop burning and increased industrial activity. It's crucial for residents to stay informed about the daily AQI and take necessary precautions to protect their health.

In Delhi, the government provides real-time AQI data on the website of the Central Pollution Control Board. This data is also available on various mobile applications, making it easy for residents to stay informed about the air they breathe.

As the city works towards improving its air quality, understanding and monitoring the AQI is a vital step. By staying informed and taking appropriate actions, residents can help protect their health and contribute to a cleaner Delhi.