Mobirise.comAir quality is essential for our health and the environment. It is influenced by pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ozone, which primarily originate from traffic, industry, and households. A useful tool for assessing air quality is the Air Quality Index (AQI), which represents the concentration of various pollutants on a scale.
Depending on the location, we categorize air quality either according to the European Air Quality Index or the United States Air Quality Index.
The AQI (Air Quality Index) of the European Environment Agency (EEA) is divided into six levels. These levels are based on the concentrations of air pollutants and their potential impacts on human health. The measured pollutants include particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ground-level ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), all of which can pose significant environmental and health risks.
Level 1 - Good (Value 0-20)
Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses no or minimal risk.
Recommendations:
You can enjoy outdoor activities without restrictions.
Specific Thresholds:
0-10 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)
0-20 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 10)
0-40 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
0-50 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
0-100 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Level 2 - Fair (Value 20-40)
Air quality is acceptable; however, minor health effects may occur for a small number of individuals who are very sensitive to air pollution.
Recommendations:
Outdoor activities are safe for you. If you have sensitive respiratory conditions, you should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.
Specific Thresholds:
10-20 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)
20-40 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 10)
40-90 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
50-100 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
100-200 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Level 3 - Moderate (Value 40-60)
Air quality is acceptable; however, there may be moderate health effects for some individuals who are sensitive to air pollution.
Recommendations:
Individuals in sensitive groups should limit prolonged or intense outdoor exertion. The general public can continue with usual outdoor activities but should be aware of the potential for increased health effects.
Specific Thresholds:
20-30 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)
40-60 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 10)
90-130 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
100-150 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
200-350 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Level 4 - Poor (Value 60-80)
may experience health effects; sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
Recommendations:
If you belong to a sensitive group, you should avoid all outdoor activities. The general public should avoid strenuous outdoor activities and limit time spent outside.
Specific Thresholds:
25-50 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)
50-100 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 10)
120-230 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
130-240 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
350-500 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Level 5 - Very Poor (Value 80-100)
Health warnings during emergencies; the entire population is likely to be affected.
Recommendations:
You should avoid outdoor activities. Sensitive groups should stay indoors as much as possible and minimize physical exertion.
Specific Thresholds:
50-75 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)
100-150 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 10)
230-340 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
240-380 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
500-750 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Level 6 - Extremely Poor (Value over 100)
Health Alert: Everyone may experience serious health effects.
Recommendations:
Cease all outdoor activities. Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Use air purifiers if available, and avoid additional air pollution from smoking, candles, or cooking with open flames.
Specific Thresholds:
75-800 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)
150-1200 µg/m³ - Particulate Matter (PM 10)
340-1000 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
380-800 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
750-1250 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
The United States Air Quality Index (US AQI) is an evaluation system developed by the EPA that assesses air quality based on the concentrations of five major air pollutants and categorizes it into six levels. The measured pollutants include particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ground-level ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
Level 1 - Good (0-50)
Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Recommendation:
You can enjoy outdoor activities without restrictions.
Individual Thresholds:
0-12 µg/m³ - Fine Particles (PM 2.5)
0-55 µg/m³ - Coarse Particles (PM 10)
0-54 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
0-55 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
0-35 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
0-4.5 µg/m³ - Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Level 2 - Fair (51-100)
The air quality is acceptable; however, there may be minor health effects for a small number of people who are very sensitive to air pollution.
Recommendation:
Outdoor activities are generally safe for you. If you have sensitive respiratory conditions, you should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.
Individual Thresholds:
12-35.5 µg/m³ - Fine Particles (PM 2.5)
55-155 µg/m³ - Coarse Particles (PM 10)
54-100 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
55-70 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
35-75 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
4.5-9.5 µg/m³ - Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Level 3 - Moderate (101-150)
Sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is unlikely to be affected.
Recommendation:
If you have respiratory conditions, are elderly, or have children, you should avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. The general population should reduce outdoor activities as needed.
Individual Thresholds:
35.5-55.5 µg/m³ - Fine Particles (PM 2.5)
155-255 µg/m³ - Coarse Particles (PM 10)
100-360 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
70-85 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
75-185 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
9.5-12.5 µg/m³ - Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Level 4 - Poor (Wert 151-200)
Everyone may experience health effects; sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
Recommendation:
If you belong to sensitive groups, you should avoid all outdoor activities. The general public should avoid strenuous outdoor activities and limit time spent outdoors.
Individual Thresholds:
55.5-150.5 µg/m³ - Fine Particles (PM 2.5)
255-355 µg/m³ - Coarse Particles (PM 10)
360-650 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
85-105 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
185-305 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
12.5-15.5 µg/m³ - Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Level 5 - Very Poor (Wert 201-300)
Health Warnings of Emergencies: Health warnings are issued; the entire population is likely affected.
Recommendation:
You should avoid outdoor activities. Sensitive groups should stay indoors as much as possible and minimize physical exertion.
Individual Thresholds:
150.5-250.5 µg/m³ - Fine Particles (PM 2.5)
355-425 µg/m³ - Coarse Particles (PM 10)
650-1250 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
105-200 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
305-605 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
15.5-30.5 µg/m³ - Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Level 6 - Extremly Poor (Wert 301-500)
Health Alert: Everyone may experience serious health effects.
Recommendation:
You should suspend all outdoor activities. Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Use air purifiers if available, and avoid additional air pollution from smoking, candles, or cooking with open flames.
Individual Thresholds:
From 250.5 µg/m³ - Fine Particles (PM 2.5)
From 425 µg/m³ - Coarse Particles (PM 10)
From 1250 µg/m³ - Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
From 200 µg/m³ - Ozone (O3)
From 605 µg/m³ - Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
From 30.5 µg/m³ - Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Particulate Matter – Difference Between PM10 and PM2.5
Particulate Matter (PM10) refers to airborne particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. These particles are primarily produced by mechanical processes such as abrasion, construction dust, agricultural activities, and road traffic, including tire and brake wear. They can penetrate the upper respiratory tract and the lungs, potentially causing respiratory conditions and other health issues.
Particulate Matter (PM2.5) consists of even smaller particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. These particles mainly originate from combustion processes such as vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, household heating, and wildfires. Due to their smaller size, PM2.5 particles can penetrate deeper into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. They are particularly harmful to health and can lead to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, and other serious health problems.
In Summary:
PM10 are larger particles mainly produced by mechanical processes that affect the upper respiratory tract, while PM2.5 are smaller particles generated by combustion processes that penetrate deeper into the lungs and pose a greater health risk.
Ozone (O₃)
Ozone (O₃) is a crucial factor in air quality, particularly near the Earth's surface. It forms through chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) under sunlight. High concentrations of ground-level ozone can irritate the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. For individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions, elevated ozone levels can lead to serious health issues. The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures ozone concentration and helps assess associated health risks. High ozone levels indicate poor air quality and a higher health risk.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a harmful gas primarily produced by the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities. It significantly degrades air quality and has numerous health effects, including respiratory irritation, exacerbation of asthma, and the development of chronic respiratory diseases. Children and the elderly are particularly at risk. NO₂ also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone and acid rain, which cause further environmental damage. The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures NO₂ concentration, and efforts to reduce NO₂ emissions are crucial for protecting public health and the environment..
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a harmful gas primarily produced by the burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes. It significantly deteriorates air quality and can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath, as well as exacerbate asthma and chronic respiratory diseases. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. SO₂ also contributes to the formation of acid rain, which can damage soils, water bodies, and vegetation. The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures SO₂ concentration, and efforts to reduce SO₂ emissions are crucial for protecting public health and the environment..
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that primarily results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It significantly deteriorates air quality and can have severe health effects. CO binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing the oxygen supply to the body, which can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness and death. People with heart and lung conditions, as well as pregnant women and their unborn children, are particularly at risk. The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures CO concentration, and measures to reduce CO emissions, such as improved combustion technologies and stricter emission standards, are crucial for protecting public health and the environment.
The pollen forecast provides information on the expected pollen levels in different regions, allowing you to adjust your daily plans accordingly. For Europe, we can track the following types of pollen:
alder pollen, birch pollen, grass pollen, mugwort pollen, olive pollen, ragweed pollen
Level 1 - No to Low Pollen Count
In this level, the amount of pollen in the air is very low. Most allergy sufferers can expect no symptoms or only very mild symptoms. This phase provides a relatively symptom-free period for those with allergies.
Level 2 - Moderate Pollen Count
Here, a moderate amount of pollen is present in the air. Sensitive individuals may experience mild to moderate allergic reactions, such as sneezing, slight eye irritation, or a mild scratchy throat. It is advisable to take precautionary measures to minimize discomfort.
Level 3 - High Pollen Count
The pollen concentration in the air is high. Many allergy sufferers will notice symptoms such as frequent sneezing, itchy eyes, and mild respiratory discomfort. It is important to take medication regularly and reduce exposure to pollen.
Level 4 - Very High Pollen Count
In this phase, pollen concentrations are very high. Most allergy sufferers will experience severe symptoms such as intense sneezing, severe itching of the eyes, coughing, and breathing difficulties. It is strongly recommended to minimize outdoor activities and consider seeking medical assistance if symptoms are severe.
Level 5 - Extremely High Pollen Count
This is the highest level of pollen count, characterized by extremely high concentrations of pollen in the air. Nearly all allergy sufferers will experience severe symptoms that can significantly impact their quality of life. Symptoms include intense sneezing, severe itching and redness of the eyes, shortness of breath, and potentially asthmatic reactions. It is crucial to stay indoors, minimize exposure to pollen, and seek medical help if necessary.
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