How to Measure AQI at Home?

You can measure the Air Quality Index (AQI) at home by using a portable air quality monitor. These devices give you real-time insights into the air quality in your living space.

Here’s a breakdown of how to do it:

Using a Portable Air Quality Monitor

• What it does: A portable air quality monitor measures key pollutants in your home. According to the reference, these pollutants include:
  • PM2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter)
  • CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)
  • VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
• How it works: The monitor uses sensors to detect the concentration of these pollutants in the air. Based on these measurements, it calculates an estimated AQI.
• Where to buy: You can purchase portable air quality monitors from online retailers, hardware stores, and specialized environmental equipment suppliers.
• How to use:
  1. Place the monitor in a central location in your home, away from direct sunlight or drafts.
  2. Turn on the monitor and allow it to calibrate. This may take a few minutes.
  3. The monitor will display the AQI and the concentration of the pollutants it measures.
  4. Consult the monitor's user manual for specific instructions on interpreting the readings and maintaining the device.

Interpreting the AQI

The AQI is typically reported on a scale of 0 to 500, with higher values indicating poorer air quality. Here's a general guideline:

AQI Range	Air Quality Level	Health Implications
0-50	Good	Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
51-100	Moderate	Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.
151-200	Unhealthy	Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
201-300	Very Unhealthy	Health alert: Everyone may experience more serious health effects.
301-500	Hazardous	Health warning of emergency conditions: The entire population is more likely to be affected.

Note: Different AQI scales and categories may be used in different regions. Always refer to the documentation of your AQI monitor for specific instructions and scale used.