
PSI vs AQI: Understanding Different Air Quality Scores
What Happened?
Air quality scores can differ between apps due to varying methods of calculation. This month, Singapore's air quality was affected by smoke from Indonesian wildfires.
Key points
- The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures pollutants like PM2.5 and ozone.
- The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) uses a region-specific calculation method.
- Singapore's PSI reported unhealthy levels during the haze episode on October 10.
- Different calculation methods and averaging periods can lead to differing scores.
- Higher readings indicate greater air pollution and health risks.
- Children and older adults are more vulnerable to high pollution levels.
Key insights
- Different countries have unique standards for measuring air quality.
- Local advisories should be followed for health recommendations during poor air quality.
- Comparing pollutant concentrations can provide a clearer picture of air quality.
Why it matters
Understanding air quality scores helps individuals make informed health decisions.
Source
India Today

