What the current air means for you, in plain language, and what to do about it.
Not medical advice. This is general information based on US EPA, India CPCB and WHO guidance. If you have a health condition, follow your doctor’s advice, and seek urgent care for chest pain, severe breathlessness or fainting.
Computed from the hourly CAMS forecast: the 2-hour window between 06:00 and 20:00 local time with the lowest average AQI. Models can under-read local peaks, so on high-pollution days the whole day may still be unhealthy. See the full forecast.
Guidance updates with the current air quality.
Children breathe more air for their body size and their lungs are still developing.
Age-related changes in the heart and lungs, and more common underlying conditions, raise the risk from fine particles.
Particles and gases inflame the airways and can trigger attacks, even at moderate levels.
Fine particles can raise blood pressure and the risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly over a few days of exposure.
Long-term fine-particle exposure is linked with poorer birth outcomes, so reducing exposure is sensible.
Long hours outdoors, often with physical effort, mean a much higher inhaled dose.
PM2.5 · fine particles
Smaller than 2.5 micrometres, about 30 times thinner than a human hair. They slip past the nose and throat, reach deep into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream.
PM10 · coarse particles
Smaller than 10 micrometres. Mostly trapped in the nose and upper airways, but can still trigger coughing, throat and eye irritation.
A high PM2.5-to-PM10 ratio suggests combustion (traffic, burning). A low ratio suggests dust. Masks matter more for PM2.5: use a well-fitted N95/FFP2, not a cloth mask.
AQI 0–50
Air quality is satisfactory and poses little or no risk.
A good day to be outside.
AQI 51–100
Acceptable, but unusually sensitive people may notice effects.
Fine for most people; unusually sensitive people should take it easier.
AQI 101–150
Children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion.
Sensitive groups should cut back on heavy outdoor effort.
AQI 151–200
Everyone may begin to experience health effects; sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
Everyone should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
AQI 201–300
Health alert: the risk of effects is higher for everyone.
Health alert: avoid outdoor exertion.
AQI 301–500
Emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.
Emergency conditions: stay indoors.
| Category | NAQI | Possible health impact |
|---|---|---|
| Good | 0–50 | Minimal impact. |
| Satisfactory | 51–100 | May cause minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people. |
| Moderately polluted | 101–200 | May cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disease such as asthma, and discomfort to people with heart disease, children and older adults. |
| Poor | 201–300 | May cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure, and discomfort to people with heart disease. |
| Very poor | 301–400 | May cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. |
| Severe | 401–500 | May cause respiratory impact even on healthy people, and serious health impacts on people with lung or heart disease. |
Guidance is paraphrased and simplified for readability. Follow the original documents and your clinician for decisions about your health.