Air Quality Numbers Explained: What Each AQI Level Really Means And When It’s Safe To Step Outside

Air Quality Numbers Explained: As pollution in Delhi continues to rise without pause, residents are constantly checking the AQI levels to decide when it might be safe to step outdoors. Air Quality Index (AQI) figures now dominate headlines and social media updates, yet many still do not understand what these numbers actually mean for their health. Is an AQI of 180 cause for concern? Should you skip your morning jog when it touches 250? What do these AQI readings really represent, and at what point does the air become unsafe to breathe outside?What Is the Air Quality Index?The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a numerical scale used by environmental agencies to measure pollution levels in the air and communicate those findings to the public. A higher AQI means a greater proportion of people are li