Air Quality Index (AQI)

Why in news?

• Delhi's pollution levels worsened with air quality index remaining in the 'poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),

What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

• AQI is a number used to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.
• It is calculated by the Central Pollution Control Board.
• AQI considers eight pollutants:
  • PM10
  • PM2.5
  • NO2
  • SO2
  • CO
  • O3
  • NH3
  •  Pb
• There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
• The air quality index translates detailed information on different pollutants into a color-coded warning system.
• It is now calculated for close to 120 cities across India.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Air quality index of Central pollution control board
1.It is calculated only for the city of Delhi.
2.Both Particulate matter pollution and ozone pollution are considered while calculating the index.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2 
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question