Air Quality Index Calculator

Overall AQI
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Enter values to calculate AQI

Dominant Pollutant

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Health Advisory

Enter pollutant concentrations to get health recommendations.

Pollutant Details

Construction Site Application

When to use this tool: During pre-construction site assessment, daily safety meetings, and when planning dusty operations (demolition, excavation, concrete cutting). For related environmental assessments, you might also check our noise level prediction tool for comprehensive site monitoring.

Site planning action: AQI above 150 means reschedule non-essential outdoor work. Above 200 requires mandatory respirators and reduced crew exposure times. Keep in mind that wind load conditions can significantly affect how pollutants disperse across your site.

Site Supervisor Checklist
  • Check AQI at start of shift and after lunch break
  • Monitor spikes during concrete pouring or demolition
  • Document AQI readings in daily site log
  • Have N95 masks available when AQI > 100
  • Implement dust control measures before AQI reaches unhealthy levels

How to Use the AQI Calculator

This tool calculates the Air Quality Index (AQI) based on concentrations of major air pollutants. Follow these steps:

  1. Select your preferred standard (EPA for USA or CPCB for India)
  2. Enter the concentration values for each pollutant using the sliders or input fields
  3. Click "Calculate AQI" to see the results
  4. View the overall AQI, dominant pollutant, and health recommendations

About AQI Calculation

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is calculated for each pollutant individually, then the highest value becomes the overall AQI. The formula used is:

I = [(Ihigh - Ilow)/(Chigh - Clow)] × (C - Clow) + Ilow

Where:

  • I = AQI value
  • C = Pollutant concentration
  • Clow = Concentration breakpoint ≤ C
  • Chigh = Concentration breakpoint ≥ C
  • Ilow = AQI breakpoint corresponding to Clow
  • Ihigh = AQI breakpoint corresponding to Chigh

Understanding the Results

The AQI is divided into six categories, each with health implications:

  • 0-50 (Good): Air quality is satisfactory with little risk
  • 51-100 (Moderate): Acceptable, but some pollutants may affect sensitive individuals
  • 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): General public not affected but sensitive groups may experience health effects
  • 151-200 (Unhealthy): Everyone may begin to experience health effects
  • 201-300 (Very Unhealthy): Health warnings of emergency conditions
  • 300+ (Hazardous): Health alert - everyone may experience serious health effects

Construction-Specific Guidance

When Builders Use This Tool:
  • Pre-construction planning: Assess baseline air quality for site safety plans. This pairs well with a soil bearing capacity analysis for comprehensive site evaluation.
  • During dusty operations: Monitor PM levels during excavation, demolition, cutting
  • Equipment planning: Higher AQI may require additional dust suppression equipment
  • Subcontractor coordination: Share AQI data with all trades working on site
Measurement Preparation:

For accurate site readings:

  • Take measurements at breathing height (4-6 feet)
  • Measure upwind and downwind of active work areas
  • Record time of day and weather conditions
  • Take multiple readings throughout the day
Common Site Estimation Mistakes:
  • Not accounting for wind direction changes
  • Measuring only once per day
  • Ignoring local pollution sources (nearby roads, industries)
  • Forgetting to calibrate measurement devices regularly
Field Condition Awareness

Tool Limitations: This calculator provides estimated AQI based on entered values. On-site conditions can change rapidly due to:

  • Sudden wind shifts bringing in external pollution
  • Equipment breakdowns increasing emissions
  • Temperature inversions trapping pollutants
  • Simultaneous operations multiplying dust generation

Always use professional monitoring equipment for compliance reporting.

AQI Color Legend

The AQI is color-coded to help you understand air quality levels at a glance:

Good (0-50)
Moderate (51-100)
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150)
Unhealthy (151-200)
Very Unhealthy (201-300)
Hazardous (300+)

Health Recommendations

AQI Category Health Message Precautions
Good Air quality is satisfactory None required
Moderate Acceptable quality Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Sensitive groups may experience health effects Children, elderly, and people with respiratory or heart disease should limit outdoor exertion
Unhealthy Everyone may begin to experience health effects Sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exertion; others should limit it
Very Unhealthy Health warnings of emergency conditions Sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor exertion; others should limit it
Hazardous Health alert - everyone may experience serious health effects Everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion

Construction Work Planning by AQI Level

AQI Range Site Work Adjustments Required PPE Work Hour Considerations
0-50 Normal operations Standard issue Full shift OK
51-100 Monitor sensitive workers Dust masks available Normal schedule
101-150 Reduce dusty operations N95 masks recommended Shorter breaks outdoors
151-200 Limit excavation/demolition N95 masks required Rotate crews more frequently
201-300 Essential work only P100 respirators Reduce outdoor time by 50%
300+ Stop outdoor work Full respiratory protection Indoor work only
Contractor Q&A: Air Quality on Site
Q: When should I be most concerned about PM2.5 vs PM10?

A: PM2.5 (fine particles) penetrate deeper into lungs - concern during welding, cutting, engine idling. PM10 (coarse particles) from earthmoving, demolition - control with water spraying.

Q: How often should I check AQI during concrete pouring?

A: Check every 2 hours during active pouring. Cement dust combined with vehicle emissions can spike AQI quickly. You can cross-reference these readings with our concrete mix design calculator to ensure optimal pouring conditions.

Q: What's the biggest AQI risk in urban construction?

A: Combined effect of your site dust plus existing urban pollution. Morning rush hour + your excavation can create dangerous spikes.

Q: How do weather conditions affect my AQI readings?

A: Rain improves AQI (washes particles). Wind can help or hurt - disperses pollution but can spread your site dust further. Calm days trap pollutants.

Trust & Reliability Disclaimer

Important: This tool provides educational AQI estimation for planning purposes. For official compliance, health and safety decisions, or regulatory reporting:

  • Use certified air quality monitoring equipment
  • Follow local occupational health regulations
  • Consult with industrial hygienists for site-specific assessments
  • Regularly calibrate your measurement devices
  • Maintain proper documentation for safety audits

Actual site conditions may vary significantly from calculated estimates due to microclimates, equipment variations, and simultaneous operations.

Project Planning Integration

Material Planning Connection
  • High AQI days may delay material deliveries
  • Dust-sensitive materials (electronics, finishes) need protected storage
  • Schedule concrete trucks during better AQI hours
  • Order extra filtration for equipment cabs
Cost Planning Relevance
  • Respiratory protection budget increases with poor AQI
  • Dust control measures (water trucks, misters) operational costs
  • Potential productivity loss from work slowdowns
  • Possible regulatory fines for non-compliance
Cross-Check Planning Advice
Pro Tip: Always cross-check calculated AQI with:
  1. Local air quality agency reports
  2. On-site particulate monitors
  3. Worker symptom reports (coughing, eye irritation)
  4. Visible dust plume observations
For related environmental monitoring, consider using our stormwater runoff calculator to assess other site environmental factors.
Delivery & Logistics Planning

Coordinate with suppliers when AQI > 150:

  • Schedule deliveries during cleaner hours (early morning)
  • Protect delivered materials from dust contamination
  • Plan alternative routes if local pollution affects access roads
  • Inform drivers about required PPE on site