Air quality index

An air quality index (AQI) is an approximation of how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. As air pollution levels rise, so does the AQI, along with the associated public health risks.

Different countries have their own air quality indices, corresponding to different national air quality standards. These include Canada's Air Quality Health Index, Malaysia's Air Pollution Index, and Singapore's Pollutant Standards Index. Pollutants that are commonly monitored include ground-level ozone, particulates, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

Children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular problems are typically the first groups affected by poor air quality. When the AQI is high, governmental bodies generally encourage people to reduce physical activity outdoors, or even avoid going out altogether.

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