You can't just look out your window to see how much pollution is in the air. It's much more complicated than that, and it takes sophisticated testing equipment to know how little or how much pollution is in the air on any given day. That's why we provide easy access to the area's Air Quality Index (AQI) numbers.
The AQI was designed to help people understand - and plan for - air pollution on any given day. It also helps illustrate the health effects you could experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.
Air Quality Index (AQI) Values
AQI Range
Conditions
Color Code
0 to 50
Good
Green
51 to 100
Moderate
Yellow
101 to 150
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Orange
151 to 200
Unhealthy
Red
201 to 300
Very Unhealthy
Purple
301 to 500
Hazardous
Maroon
Good 0 - 50Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Moderate 51 - 100Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be moderate health concerns for a very small number of people (such as those sensitive to ozone).
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101 - 150Members of sensitive groups (such as those with asthma, lung disease, or heart disease) may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected when the AQI is in this range.
Unhealthy 151 - 200At this level, nearly everyone may begin to experience the effects of air pollution. Plus, members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Very Unhealthy 201 - 300At levels this high, everyone may experience serious health effects.
Hazardous 300 and upHere, air pollution is at emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
For more information about the AQI, including detailed information for healthcare providers, teachers, kids, and older adults, click here.
For the City of Indianapolis AQI click here.