A Portal Beam provides the current Air Quality Index (AQI) of its monitored area. The AQI is calculated based on the average concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) readings taken by the Portal Beam air sensor.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are dangerous and damaging compounds emitted as gases from a wide variety of solids and liquids. Some common examples include - benzine, which is emitted from petroleum; formaldehyde, common in many fabrics, coatings, and building materials; and acetone, found in nail polish remover and wallpaper.
EPA's definition of VOC: Volatile organic compounds (VOC) means any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions.
|
Air Quality Index value |
Levels of health concern |
Description of Air Quality |
|---|---|---|
|
0 to 50 |
Good |
Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. |
|
51 to 100 |
Moderate |
Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. |
|
101 to 150 |
Unhealthy for sensitive groups |
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. |
|
151 to 200 |
Unhealthy |
Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. |