India AQI Standards
PM2.5 Safe Level in India
PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles with diameters 2.5 micrometers and smaller, which can be breathed deep into the lungs.
Safe Levels (AQI Breakpoints)
Averaging time: 24-hour. Units: µg/m³.
| Category | PM2.5 Range | Averaging Time |
|---|---|---|
| Good (AQI 0–50) | 0–30 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Satisfactory (AQI 51–100) | 31–60 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Moderate (AQI 101–200) | 61–90 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Poor (AQI 201–300) | 91–120 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Very Poor (AQI 301–400) | 121–250 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Severe (AQI 401–500) | 250+ µg/m³ | 24-hour |
What Happens When PM2.5 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 PM2.5 Matters in India
PM2.5 is one of the core pollutants used 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 PM2.5 in India
In India’s AQI system, PM2.5 between 0–30 µg/m³ (24‑hour) is considered Good. 31–60 µg/m³ is Satisfactory but can affect sensitive people.
60 µg/m³ is the upper end of the Satisfactory band. Most people are fine, but sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exposure.
PM2.5 particles are smaller and can reach deeper into the lungs, which increases health risk.
India’s AQI maps 24‑hour PM2.5 concentrations to AQI categories from Good to Severe.
When AQI is Moderate or worse, reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activity, especially if you have asthma or heart/lung disease.