What does the Air Quality Index primarily assess?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is specifically designed to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. It primarily assesses atmospheric air quality by measuring the concentration of various pollutants in the air, such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The AQI provides an easily understandable way for the public to gauge the quality of outdoor air and to understand potential health effects associated with different levels of pollution.

While indoor air quality can be important for overall health, it is not the focus of the AQI; indoor spaces often require different assessments and indices to evaluate their air quality. Similarly, although specific environments like a dental office may have particular concerns regarding air quality, the AQI is not tailored to assess air quality in such specific settings. Instead, it remains a broader indicator centered on outdoor atmospheric conditions and their effects on public health.