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At the request of the public, environmental agencies had for many years tried to express the quality of the air we breathe in a fashion that could be easily understood. Early on, there were numerous indices utilized across the country. These indices were, in many cases, suited to local environmental concerns, without regards to the comparability from region to region. This led to confusion when the citizens traveled around the country. To alleviate this confusion, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the uniform Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) and subsequently the Air Quality Index (AQI), to be used by all agencies across the country.

The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. The AQI focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. EPA calculates the AQI for five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. For each of these pollutants, EPA has established national air quality standards to protect public health. Ground-level ozone and airborne particles are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country.

Each of the pollutants measured is compared to a table of concentration values to determine its sub-index AQI. When all of the sub-indices have been determined, the highest value sub-index is reported as the AQI. The index provides general information to the public about air quality and associated health effects.

When the AQI is reported as 50 or less, the AQI is said to be in the "Good" range. Between 51 and 100 the AQI is in the "Moderate" range. Above 100 the AQI is in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range. The complete table is as follows:

The Air Quality Program calculates the AQI every other hour, daily. This index is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the Computerized Local Air Index Reporting System (CLAIRE) by calling 954-519-1280.

Ozone Media Package (PDF)

Check the Air Quality in your area  

AQI incorporates pollutants Ozone, Fine Particulate Matter and Carbon Monoxide.

Air Quality Index Summary Archive: 2001-2009

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