Air Quality Index Layers

The “Data Layer“ field determines which indices, scales, or metadata to display on the Map Markers, graphs, and the map legend. The default field-selection is “US EPA PM2.5 AQI“.


AQI Layers

This first partition of data layers is a section of Air Quality Indices (AQIs). Data for the AQIs are supplied by the laser counters within the PurpleAir sensors. Choose a data layer from the following section to present the sensor data within the standard index.

US EPA PM2.5 AQI: This default field-selection displays the Air Quality Index (AQI) based on \text{PM}_{2.5} particulate matter, created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). It is used by U.S. government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.

Canadian AQHI: This field selection displays the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI); a scale designed in Canada to help understand the impact of air quality on health.

Índice de Aire y Salud PM.2.5: El nuevo Índice de Aire y Salud relaciona la concentración de cada contaminante criterio con una categoría de calidad del aire, asignando un nivel de riesgo y las recomendaciones para la protección de los grupos sensibles y la población en general.

Washington’s Air Quality Advisory: This field selection displays the Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA) Air Quality Index (AQI); a number used by U.S. government agencies in Washington state to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.

Australian PM2.5 AQI: This field selection displays an Air Quality Index (AQI); a scale of air pollution that helps us understand air quality and modify our activities if pollution levels are high.

European PM2.5 AQI: This field selection displays the Air Quality Index (AQI) number used by European government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.

US EPA PM10 AQI: This field selection displays the Air Quality Index (AQI) based on \text{PM}_{10} particulate matter, created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). It is used by U.S. government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.

Mexican PM2.5 IMECA: This field selection displays the Air Quality Index (AQI) used by Mexican government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.

US EPA Village Green: This field selection displays the Air Quality Index (AQI) created by the Village Green Project; a community-based activity to demonstrate the capabilities of new real-time monitoring technology for residents and citizen scientists to learn about local air quality.


Learn More

Air Quality Index
PurpleAir Map Guide
Which AQI Data Layer to Choose