India AQI Standards
PM10 Safe Level in India
PM10 refers to inhalable particles with diameters 10 micrometers and smaller, which can get deep into the lungs.
Safe Levels (AQI Breakpoints)
Averaging time: 24-hour. Units: µg/m³.
| Category | PM10 Range | Averaging Time |
|---|---|---|
| Good (AQI 0–50) | 0–50 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Satisfactory (AQI 51–100) | 51–100 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Moderate (AQI 101–200) | 101–250 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Poor (AQI 201–300) | 251–350 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Very Poor (AQI 301–400) | 351–430 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Severe (AQI 401–500) | 430+ µg/m³ | 24-hour |
What Happens When PM10 Is High?
- Satisfactory (51–100): May cause minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people.
- Moderate (101–200): May cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disease such as asthma and discomfort to people with heart disease, children and older adults.
- Poor (201–300): May cause breathing discomfort to people on prolonged exposure and discomfort to people with heart disease with short exposure.
- Very Poor (301–400): May cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure; effects may be more pronounced in people with lung and heart diseases.
- Severe (401–500): May cause respiratory effects even on healthy people and serious health impacts on people with lung/heart diseases; impacts may be experienced even during light physical activity.
Why PM10 Matters in India
PM10 is a key pollutant in India’s AQI system, and AQI calculation requires PM2.5 or PM10 when data are available.
Check Your Local AQI
See live readings and nearby monitoring stations for your location.
Open AQI Near MePrecautions to Reduce Exposure
- Check your local AQI before outdoor exercise and reduce exertion when AQI is Moderate or worse.
- Limit prolonged outdoor time during peak traffic hours and congestion.
- Keep windows closed when pollution is high and use an air purifier if available.
- If you must be outside on poor days, reduce strenuous activity and consider a well‑fitting mask.
- Prioritize early morning or late evening for outdoor activity when conditions are better.
FAQs About PM10 in India
In India’s AQI system, PM10 between 0–50 µg/m³ (24‑hour) is considered Good.
100 µg/m³ sits at the upper end of the Satisfactory band; sensitive groups may feel discomfort.
India’s AQI maps 24‑hour PM10 concentrations to AQI categories from Good to Severe.
When AQI is Moderate or worse, reduce prolonged outdoor exposure.
Yes. Higher AQI categories can cause breathing discomfort, especially for people with lung disease.