AQI Value Guide
What Does AQI 500 Mean?
AQI (Air Quality Index) is a 0-500 scale used in India to summarize air quality. An AQI of 500 falls in the Severe category (401-500).
AQI 500 Summary
Category: Severe
Range: 401-500
AQI 500 indicates Severe air quality. Serious health effects possible for everyone; avoid outdoor activity.
Health impact: Respiratory effects even on healthy people and serious health impacts on people with lung/heart diseases, even during light physical activity.
Is AQI 500 Safe?
Serious health effects possible for everyone; avoid outdoor activity.
Outdoor Guidance
Avoid outdoor activity; only essential trips.
Check Your Local AQI
See live readings and nearby monitoring stations for your location.
Open AQI Near MeWhat You Can Do Today
- Check your local AQI before outdoor exercise and adjust plans if it stays elevated.
- Avoid peak traffic hours when pollution tends to be higher.
- Keep windows closed if outdoor air looks hazy or smells smoky.
- A well-fitting mask is strongly recommended outdoors.
- If you feel irritation or breathing discomfort, move indoors and reduce activity.
FAQs About AQI 500
AQI 500 falls in the Severe category (401-500). Serious health effects possible for everyone; avoid outdoor activity.
Serious health effects possible for everyone; avoid outdoor activity. Sensitive groups should be more cautious when AQI is Severe.
Avoid outdoor activity; only essential trips. If you feel breathing discomfort, reduce activity.
A well-fitting mask is strongly recommended outdoors.
AQI 0-50 is considered Good in India, with minimal health impact for most people.