India AQI Standards
SO₂ Safe Level in India
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a gas from burning fossil fuels, especially at power plants and industrial facilities.
Safe Levels (AQI Breakpoints)
Averaging time: 24-hour. Units: µg/m³.
| Category | SO₂ Range | Averaging Time |
|---|---|---|
| Good (AQI 0–50) | 0–40 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Satisfactory (AQI 51–100) | 41–80 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Moderate (AQI 101–200) | 81–380 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Poor (AQI 201–300) | 381–800 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Very Poor (AQI 301–400) | 801–1600 µg/m³ | 24-hour |
| Severe (AQI 401–500) | 1600+ µg/m³ | 24-hour |
What Happens When SO₂ 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 SO₂ Matters in India
SO₂ is one of the criteria pollutants used in India’s AQI system with short‑term standards for daily reporting.
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 SO₂ in India
In India’s AQI system, SO₂ between 0–40 µg/m³ (24‑hour) is considered Good.
80 µg/m³ is the upper end of the Satisfactory band; sensitive people may feel discomfort.
SO₂ mainly comes from burning fossil fuels at power plants and industrial facilities.
India’s AQI maps 24‑hour SO₂ concentrations to AQI categories from Good to Severe.
SO₂ can affect health; higher AQI bands indicate higher risk.