Air Quality Index: Best Air Quality Indexsets & Databases

What is Air Quality Index Data?

Air quality index (AQI) data is a sub-category of environmental data. It’s data relating to the current level of pollution in the air or predicted future levels of pollution in the air. Public health is directly linked to air quality index data - as the AQI rises, so do the public health risks. AQI can rise as a result of an increase in air emissions and a lack of dilution because this means a higher level of pollution in the air.

How is Air Quality Index Data collected?

Air quality index data is collected by converting the air pollutant concentration in a location into AQI, using a function relevant to the potency of the specific air pollutant being monitored. The air pollutant concentration is measured by an air monitor over a specified amount of time to identify an average and to find the dose - it is the dose of the air pollutant which indicates which health effects may arise. AQI values are typically calculated per hour or per 24 hours, and countries define the AQI differently in relation to their national air quality standards.

What are the attributes of Air Quality Index Data?

Air Quality Index data values are grouped into ranges or categories with a colour code which starts at green (the lowest and therefore the safest), and goes up to red or black (the highest and most dangerous). There are typically 5-6 categories, from ‘good air quality’ or ‘low risk’ to ‘hazardous air quality’ or ‘severe risk’. Air Quality Index data values and indices vary from country to country. AQI values range from 0-500, and the categories focus on the level of air pollution. Some countries also convert these Air Quality Index data values into a health risk scale which ranges from 1-10, and use this as the air quality indicator. As national air quality standards vary in different countries, governments calculate and interpret Air Quality Index data in different ways. For example, in Mainland China, an AQI above 300 means the air pollution is considered ‘severe’, but, in India, the AQI must be above 400 before it moves into the ‘severe’ category.

What is Air Quality Index Data used for?

Air quality index data is used by governments to protect the public. From the AQI, agencies or governments can identify the current or predicted future level of health risk, especially for more vulnerable people, and advise them to reduce physical activity - whether it be immediately or in the future - and ensure their safety. In serious situations where the AQI has indicated a longer period of bad air quality, governments can take greater steps, such as restricting significant air pollution sources like coal burning industries. Scientists may also use AQI data to study sustainability projects and evalute their efficiency.

How can a user assess the quality of Air Quality Index Data?

The best air quality index data providers will have certifications to show that their data is high-quality. They will be able to explain the verification procedures they carry out to ensure data accuracy. They will also update their datasets regularly, and you should be able to find good reviews from clients of the best air quality index data providers. Lastly, ask for a data sample before you buy from a provider to ensure that their an air quality index data is of the quality that your business needs.

Where can I buy Air Quality Index?

Data providers and vendors listed on Datarade sell Air Quality Index products and samples. Popular Air Quality Index products and datasets available on our platform are Worldwide satellite data | Air quality | Wildfire monitor by Caeli, Gspatial Historical Air Quality Data for 30+ Years by GSpatial.ai, and Accurate Weather Forecast API - Meteosource by Meteosource Weather API.

How can I get Air Quality Index?

You can get Air Quality Index via a range of delivery methods - the right one for you depends on your use case. For example, historical Air Quality Index is usually available to download in bulk and delivered using an S3 bucket. On the other hand, if your use case is time-critical, you can buy real-time Air Quality Index APIs, feeds and streams to download the most up-to-date intelligence.