Why India caps pollution reading at 500 when the air is far more toxic
Summary
India's official air quality index (AQI) caps at 500, which may not accurately reflect the air's toxicity. Private and international monitors often report higher numbers, sometimes exceeding 1,000, due to different measurement methods and criteria. The cap was set to avoid public panic, but experts point out that it leads to incomplete data representation.Key Facts
- India's AQI scale tops out at 500, even if the air is more polluted.
- Government apps like SAFAR and SAMEER use this cap, while private monitors can show much higher numbers.
- PM2.5 and other pollutants are converted into a single AQI number, with anything above 400 considered "severe."
- The 500 cap was put in place to prevent public panic about high pollution levels.
- Other countries like the US and organizations like WHO use different threshold guidelines for pollution.
- Private monitors use different methods, like sensor-based technology, which the Indian government hasn't approved.
- India's pollution metrics haven't been updated since 2009.
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