Name: Hira Ijaz Malik

Reg No: L1F19BSBC0020

Assignment No:1

Environmental Biochemistry

Topic: Discuss the AIR QUALITY INDEX in detail and

enlighten the NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
STANDARDS set by EPA for six principal air
pollutants.
1. Introduction:
An area's degree of air pollution can be measured and communicated using the Air
Quality Index, a numerical scale. It is an essential instrument for evaluating the air we
breathe and comprehending how it might affect human health.
2. The AQI's components:
Discuss each of the primary pollutants (ground-level ozone, particle matter (PM10
and PM2.5), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead) that are
taken into account when calculating the air quality index (AQI). Describe their
origins, health impacts, and the reasoning behind their inclusion in the AQI.
3.AQI Groups and Their Effects on Health:
Examine the various AQI classifications, including Hazardous, Good, Moderate,
Unhealthy, and Very Unhealthy. Describe the health consequences linked to every
category and the particular hazards that affect vulnerable populations and the broader
public.

Figure no:1 Possible health impacts

4. AQI Computation Techniques:
Describe the process used to determine the air quality index (AQI), taking into
account the concentrations of individual pollutants, their corresponding standards, and
the aggregation method used to get the overall result. To improve understanding, give
illustrations and examples.
5. Worldwide Differences in AQI Standards:
Talk about how AQI requirements may change between nations and areas based on
local environmental factors, legal systems, and public health concerns. Give instances
of effective global air quality control initiatives.
6. Tracking and Summarizing AQI:
Examine the significance of in-the-moment air quality monitoring and the public
distribution of AQI data. Talk about how government institutions, environmental
groups, and technology work together to provide accurate and easily accessible data
on air quality.
7. Air Pollution's Effects on Health:
Examine in greater detail the particular health consequences linked to exposure to
various air contaminants. Talk about the short- and long-term consequences on
cardiovascular and respiratory health, as well as the possible systemic effects on other
organs.
8. Strategies for Mitigation:
Analyze the many tactics and laws put in place around the world to reduce air
pollution. Talk about the role that technology, public awareness campaigns, law, and
international cooperation may play in tackling air quality issues.
9. Upcoming Patterns and Difficulties:
Examine new developments in the field of air quality management, including the use
of artificial intelligence, the effects of climate change on air quality, and the
difficulties brought on by urbanization and industry. Talk about future innovations
and possible solutions.
Air Quality Index (AQI) Significance:
 Health Consequences:
The amounts of several air contaminants that are known to have negative impacts on
human health are directly correlated with the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI
assists people and communities in understanding the possible health concerns related
to the current state of air quality by assigning a numerical scale to these
concentrations.
 Public Awareness:
Educating the public about the state of the air in a particular location is one of the
AQI's primary functions. It offers a concrete and approachable metric that enables
individuals to choose outdoor activities wisely and take the necessary safety measures
to reduce their exposure to dangerous contaminants.
 Figure No: 2 Air Quality Index Awareness
 Regulatory Compliance:
To establish air quality guidelines and create pollution-reduction plans, governments
and environmental organizations utilize the AQI as a regulatory instrument. Assuring
compliance with set requirements and directing the execution of actions to enhance air
quality are made easier by tracking and disclosing AQI values.
Calculation of AQI:
Using certain formulae for each pollutant concentration, the AQI is computed. The
total AQI is determined by taking the highest estimated value among the
contaminants. The color-coded categories on the AQI scale represent varying degrees
of health concern.

Figure No: 3 Calculation of AQI

AQI Classifications and Their Effects on Health:
1. Good (0–50):
 Air quality:
Adequate.
Health Implications:
There is minimal to no harm from air pollution.
 Activities:
There are no limitations; everyone may engage in outdoor activities safely.
2. Mild (51–100):
Acceptable air quality.
 Health Implications:
A tiny percentage of susceptible people may be concerned about some contaminants.
 Activities:
The general population is unlikely to be impacted, but youngsters, the elderly, and
those with heart or respiratory issues may face health impacts.
3. Dangerous for Sensitive Populations (101–150):
 Air quality:
Not good for vulnerable people.
 Health Implications:
Serious health impacts may be experienced by members of sensitive populations, such
as youngsters, the elderly, and those with heart or respiratory disorders.
 Activities:
People who are sensitive should think about limiting extended or strenuous physical
activity outside.
Injurious (151-200):
Poor quality of air.
 Health Implications:
Unfavorable consequences on health might start to affect everyone.
 Activities:
Prolonged or intense exercise should be avoided by the elderly, children, and anyone
with heart or respiratory disorders. There should be less outdoor activity among the
general populace.
Unhealthy (201-300):
Air quality is really unhealthy.
 Health Implications:
Be on the lookout for potentially more significant health problems.
 Activities:
Everyone should refrain from doing strenuous or extended outdoor work. More
rigorous safety measures should be taken by sensitive groups.
Cautionary (301–500):
Dangerous air quality.
 Health Implications:
Emergency circumstances should be reported for the benefit of everyone in the public.
 Activities:
It is advised that no one engage in any outside activities. Less physical effort should
be put in.

Figure No:4 Air Quality Standards

Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting:

Development to technological advancements, air quality may be monitored in real-
time. AQI information is made available via websites, smartphone applications, and
other platforms by governments, environmental agencies, and commercial
organizations. This gives people the power to decide for themselves and take the
appropriate safety measures in light of the existing state of the air quality.
 Figure No: 5 Real-time air quality data

NAAQS:
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were created by the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect the public's health and welfare
from the harmful impacts of air pollution. The NAAQS covers six primary air
contaminants, also known as criterion pollutants. The NAAQS details for each of
these contaminants are as follows:
1. Ground-level Ozone (O₃):
 Average:
0.070 parts per million (ppm) during an 8-hour period is standard.
 Calculation:
Calculated over a period of eight hours is the average period.
 Goal:
One of the main causes of pollution is ground-level ozone, which can lead to
respiratory problems. Both short-term and long-term exposure are intended to be
protected against by the 8-hour limit.
2. Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5):
 The PM10 Standard:
It is 150 microgram s per cubic meter (µg/m3) on a 24-hour average.
 PM2.5 Standard:
12 µg/m³ on an annual basis and 35 µg/m³ on a 24-hour basis.
 Averaging Periods:
While PM2.5 has both yearly and 24-hour averages, PM10 is based on a 24-hour
average.
 Goal:
Particulate matter is made up of microscopic particles that have the ability to enter the
respiratory system and affect the heart and lungs.
3. Carbon Monoxide (CO):
 Standard measurement:
9 parts per million (ppm) is the average over 8 hours.
 Average:
Calculated over a period of eight hours is the average period.
 Reason:
Oxygen transportation inside the body is disrupted by carbon monoxide. The goal of
the standard is to safeguard against high ambient air quality.
4. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂):
 Standard measurement:
75 parts per billion (ppb) is the standard level after one hour.
 Calculation:
Calculated over a one-hour period is the average time.
 Reason:
The purpose of burning sulfur-containing fossil fuels is to create sulfur dioxide.
Respiratory issues may arise after brief exposure.
5. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂):
 Standard:
100 parts per billion (ppb) is the standard for a one-hour period.
 Average:
Calculated over a one-hour period is the average time.
 Goal:
The main sources of nitrogen dioxide are industrial processes and vehicular
emissions. Respiratory problems might arise with brief exposure.
6. Lead (Pb):
 Standard:
A rolling three-month average of 0.15 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter).
 Averaging Period:
A rolling three-month average is used.
 Goal:
Although lead emissions have dramatically dropped, the purpose of this guideline is
to safeguard against long-term exposure, which can cause neurological problems,
particularly in children.

Figure No: 6 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for critical pollutants
Conclusion:
An essential tool for environmental management and public health is the Air Quality
Index. The AQI promotes a sense of communal responsibility for cleaner and
healthier air, empowers citizens, and directs regulatory efforts by converting
complicated data on air quality into an easily understood index. For long-term public
health, regular updates and ongoing attempts to raise air quality standards are
essential.

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