AQI – Air Quality Impact and Recommendations

Table 1: Impact of Air Quality (presented as Air Quality Index) on Health

AQI Value Health Impact
Good Air quality is good, with no risk to public health.
Acceptable Air quality is satisfactory (pollutant concentrations are below or slightly above limit values), and outdoor stay poses no risk to most of the population. A small number of highly sensitive individuals may experience mild to moderate symptoms (e.g. respiratory irritation, cough, sore throat) even at lower pollutant concentrations.
Moderate Sensitive groups* may experience certain health issues (most often worsening of existing chronic diseases), while effects on healthy individuals are not expected.
Polluted Health issues (respiratory irritation, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations) may occur in the entire population, with more serious effects in sensitive groups (worsening of chronic diseases).
Highly Polluted Serious health effects (primarily affecting respiratory and cardiovascular systems) are expected in both healthy individuals and sensitive groups.
Extremely Polluted Serious health effects are expected in both healthy individuals and sensitive groups.
LEGEND:
*Sensitive groups include: elderly, children, and chronically ill individuals—especially those with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Table 2: Recommendations for Public Behavior

AQI Value Recommendations
Good No restrictions on outdoor activities. Extended outdoor stay and physical activity are encouraged (walking, exercising, cycling, social activities), preferably away from visible pollution sources (traffic, heating sources).
Acceptable Highly sensitive individuals: may stay outdoors but should monitor symptoms such as cough or sore throat. If symptoms appear, reduce activity duration and intensity. General population: no restrictions.
Moderate Sensitive groups: may stay outdoors but should monitor symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual fatigue. If symptoms occur, reduce activity and consult a doctor if they persist.
Polluted Sensitive groups: avoid prolonged and strenuous outdoor activities. General population: reduce activity duration and intensity, take frequent breaks.
Highly Polluted Entire population: avoid all outdoor physical activities, especially prolonged and strenuous ones. Stay indoors whenever possible.
Extremely Polluted Entire population: avoid all outdoor activities and stay indoors until air quality improves.
LEGEND:
**Strenuous activities: activities involving rapid and deep breathing.
***Prolonged strenuous activities: activities lasting several hours during the day.