This index is made available by the US embassy's air quality monitoring stations.
Complementary information
By touching on the "..." button in the air quality gauge, you can display complementary information (when
available): main pollutant, hour and location of the report.
AQI colors
This color code scale makes it easier for anyone to understand quickly whether air pollution is reaching unhealthy
levels in their communities. For example, the color orange means that conditions are "unhealthy for sensitive
groups," while the color red means that conditions may be "unhealthy for everyone," and so on.
Understanding the AQI
The AQI is divided into six categories:
"Good" AQI is 0 - 50. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
"Moderate" AQI is 51 - 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health
concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may
experience respiratory symptoms.
"Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" AQI is 101 - 150. Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI
range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas
persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in
the air.
"Unhealthy" AQI is 151 - 200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the
sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
"Very Unhealthy" AQI is 201 - 300. This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more
serious health effects.
"Hazardous" AQI higher than 300. This would trigger a health warning of emergency condition. The entire population
is then more likely to be affected.
Where does the outdoor AQI come from?
The AQI in China is provided by the United States Embassy in Beijing, the US Consulate in Guangzhou and the US
Consulate in Shanghai. More information can be found here for Beijing, here for Guangzhou.
Air Quality (China)
