Beginner’s Guide to Clean Air

Air is something we often take for granted, yet it directly shapes our health and quality of life. To measure how clean or polluted the air is, scientists use the Air Quality Index (AQI) — a scale that indicates how safe the air is to breathe.

0–50 AQI: Good – Clean and safe to breathe.

51–100 AQI: Moderate – Acceptable, though sensitive groups may experience slight discomfort.

101–200 AQI: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups – Children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions are at risk.

201–300 AQI: Very Unhealthy – The air can negatively affect everyone’s health.

300+ AQI: Hazardous – Breathing becomes unsafe for all.

In many Indian cities, AQI levels frequently reach the “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” categories, particularly during winter or high-traffic periods.

Breathing polluted air doesn’t just cause coughing or irritation—it can gradually weaken the lungs, increase risks of asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease, and reduce focus and energy levels even in young, healthy individuals. Clean air is not a luxury—it’s a basic human necessity.