What does IQAir's AQI+ indicate?
Starting in October 2024, IQAir introduced the AQI⁺ label in the user interface of the air quality information on the IQAir website, in the IQAir AirVisual app, and the IQAir Dashboard, i.e., instead of “US AQI” and “CN AQI”, we are showing “US AQI+” and “CN AQI+”. This change is meant to clarify that IQAir calculates AQI using hourly averages for all pollutants, offering a more real-time reflection of air quality conditions. While IQAir has always provided hourly updates, the AQI⁺ label makes it easier to distinguish our method from AQI systems that use longer averaging periods, which may not capture immediate changes in air quality.
Why introduce the AQI⁺ label?
The U.S. AQI, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a widely used tool for
communicating air quality levels, with categories ranging from “Good” to “Hazardous.” However, traditional U.S. AQI calculations often rely on 24-hour averages for pollutants like PM2.5, which may not reflect rapid fluctuations in air quality. Some platforms, such as AirNow, also provide AQI updates based on shorter averaging periods like the NowCast AQI, but these are still not as frequent as IQAir’s hourly updates.
By labeling our air quality readings as U.S. AQI⁺, IQAir is making it clear that users are seeing the most up-to-date data based on hourly aggregation. This makes AQI⁺ especially valuable for real-time
monitoring, helping users make faster, more informed decisions about outdoor activities and health precautions.
What does AQI⁺ mean for you?
With AQI⁺, users of the IQAir AirVisual app and the IQAir platform will continue to receive highly accurate, real-time air quality data, with the added benefit of knowing it is based on hourly averages. This allows for quicker responses to pollution spikes or improvements, particularly for sensitive individuals. Whether you are monitoring air quality in your city or using personal air quality monitors, AQI⁺ ensures you are always seeing the most current conditions.
The AQI⁺ label applies to all IQAir products and data sources, including those from governmental
reference stations, low-cost sensors, and IQAir AirVisual monitors. Since pollutants like PM2.5 can vary significantly throughout the day, the hourly update approach gives a clearer picture of air quality at any given moment.
How does AQI⁺ fit into the global air quality landscape?
Different air quality platforms use various methods for calculating AQI. Some systems, like the U.S. AQI, often rely on longer averaging periods such as 24-hour averages for PM2.5, while others may use shorter or custom periods depending on the region. IQAir’s AQI⁺ provides a clear distinction by focusing on hourly data, ensuring users receive the most accurate and timely air quality information.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has set stricter long-term exposure guidelines for pollutants like PM2.5—recommending an annual average limit of 5 µg/m³—IQAir’s AQI⁺ is designed to give users real-time updates on short-term conditions. This helps users respond quickly to current air quality levels, while keeping in mind that the WHO’s guidelines emphasize reducing long-term exposure for better health outcomes.
Learn more about AQI and AQI⁺
To better understand how AQI is calculated, how different pollutants affect air quality, and what the health implications are for various AQI levels, check out our detailed article What is the air quality index (AQI)?
In conclusion, IQAir’s introduction of the AQI⁺ label makes it clear that our air quality data is based on
hourly averages, ensuring that users have access to the most up-to-date air quality information. This transparency helps users make informed decisions about air quality in real time, giving them the tools to respond to rapidly changing environmental conditions.