Air Pollutant Index Calculator

What Is an Air Pollutant Index?

An air pollutant index is a number that shows the overall air quality based on measured pollutants.

Instead of looking at six different pollution readings, the calculator converts them into one easy score. That score tells you whether the air is:

• Good
• Moderate
• Unhealthy
• Very Unhealthy
• Hazardous

The higher the number, the worse the air quality.

Main Pollutants Used in the Calculator

The Air Pollutant Index Calculator uses common air pollutants measured worldwide.

1. PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)

PM2.5 are very tiny particles in the air. They are small enough to enter deep into your lungs and even your bloodstream.

Sources include:

• Vehicle exhaust
• Industrial emissions
• Wood burning
• Wildfires

PM2.5 is often the main pollutant during smog events.

2. PM10 (Coarse Particles)

PM10 includes larger particles like dust and pollen. These irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.

Common sources:

• Road dust
• Construction sites
• Agricultural activity

3. Ozone (O₃)

Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with pollution from cars and factories.

It is highest in:

• Summer
• Afternoon hours
• Urban areas

Ozone irritates the lungs and can trigger asthma attacks.

4. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)

NO₂ comes mainly from traffic and fuel burning. It affects lung function and worsens respiratory diseases.

5. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

SO₂ comes from burning coal and oil. It can cause breathing problems, especially in sensitive groups.

6. Carbon Monoxide (CO)

CO is a gas produced by incomplete fuel burning. High levels reduce oxygen delivery in the body.

Index Types in the Calculator

The Air Pollutant Index Calculator supports five index types.

1. AQI (Air Quality Index)

This is the most widely used index.

How it works:

• Each pollutant is converted into a sub-index
• The highest sub-index becomes the final AQI
• The main pollutant is labeled as the primary pollutant

Example:
If PM2.5 gives an index of 145 and ozone gives 90, the final AQI is 145.

2. AQIH (Health-Based AQI)

AQIH adjusts the index for sensitive groups such as:

• People with asthma
• People with COPD
• Elderly individuals
• Children
• People with heart disease

The calculator multiplies pollutant impact based on health sensitivity. This gives a more personal risk estimate.

3. CAQI (Common Air Quality Index)

CAQI is used in parts of Europe.

It has simpler categories:

• Low
• Moderate
• High
• Very High
• Severe

The calculation logic is similar but uses different breakpoints.

4. ATMOS Index

ATMOS includes visibility as an additional factor.

Poor visibility often signals high particle levels. The calculator converts visibility (in kilometers) into an index score.

This index is useful in:

• Industrial zones
• Areas with heavy smog
• Regions affected by dust storms

5. Custom Index

The Custom Index allows users to:

• Select two pollutants
• Assign weights to each
• Create a weighted air quality score

This is useful for research or local monitoring needs.

How the Calculator Works

The calculator follows a clear process:

1. Read pollutant concentrations
2. Convert each to a sub-index
3. Select the highest value
4. Assign a category
5. Generate health impact details
6. Provide recommendations

It also adjusts results based on:

• Location type (urban, rural, industrial)
• Time period (1 hour, 24 hours, weekly)
• Season (summer often raises ozone)
• Weather conditions

AQI Categories Explained

Here is what the numbers usually mean:

The calculator automatically assigns these categories.

Health Impact Output

The tool does more than give a number. It explains:

• Which pollutant is highest
• What health effects to expect
• Who is most at risk
• What actions to take

For example:

If PM2.5 is high, the calculator may recommend:

• Wearing an N95 mask
• Limiting outdoor exercise
• Keeping windows closed

If ozone is high:

• Avoid outdoor activity in the afternoon
• Exercise in the morning instead

These recommendations are tailored to the index type and user inputs.

Why Location, Season, and Time Matter

Air quality changes throughout the day and year.

Urban Areas

Traffic increases pollution during rush hours.

Industrial Areas

Factories can raise sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide levels.

Summer

Ozone levels usually peak.

Winter

PM2.5 often rises due to heating and temperature inversion.

The calculator includes these factors to improve accuracy.

Practical Example

Imagine this input:

• PM2.5 = 75 µg/m³
• Ozone = 60 ppb
• Location = Urban
• Season = Summer

The calculator would:

• Convert PM2.5 to a high sub-index
• Identify PM2.5 as the primary pollutant
• Assign "Unhealthy" category
• Suggest reducing outdoor activity
• Add extra warning for summer ozone levels

This gives both technical and practical guidance.

Who Should Use This Calculator?

The Air Pollutant Index Calculator is useful for:

• Environmental researchers
• Students
• City planners
• Health professionals
• Families checking daily air safety

It is also helpful for schools deciding outdoor activities.

Benefits of Using an Air Pollutant Index Calculator

• Converts complex pollution data into one simple number
• Identifies the main harmful pollutant
• Adjusts for sensitive populations
• Provides health advice
• Supports informed daily decisions

It makes air quality understandable.

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates based on standard guidelines. Real air quality may vary depending on monitoring equipment and local conditions.

Always follow official health advisories during severe pollution events.

The tool is not a replacement for professional air monitoring or medical advice.