Q. National Air Quality Index (AQI) is launched by the government to monitor the quality of air in major urban centres across the country on a real-time basis and enhancing public awareness for taking mitigative action. In this context, consider the following statements:
(1) AQI will have ‘one number, one colour and one description’ to inform the public about air quality in a simple and easily understandable format
(2) There are six AQI categories, namely: good, satisfactory, moderately polluted, poor, very poor and severe
(3) The index considers eight pollutants – PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3,NH3 and Pb
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 2 and 3 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024
The correct answer is: d) 1, 2 and 3.
Explanation:
1. Statement 1: AQI will have ‘one number, one colour and one description’ to inform the public about air quality in a simple and easily understandable format.
This statement is correct. The National Air Quality Index (AQI) is designed to provide a single value (number) that represents the air quality status, along with a corresponding color code and description. This makes it easy for the general public to understand the air quality and take necessary precautions.
2. Statement 2: There are six AQI categories, namely: good, satisfactory, moderately polluted, poor, very poor and severe.
This statement is correct. The AQI is divided into six categories based on the level of pollution. These categories are: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. Each category indicates a specific range of air quality and its potential impact on health.3. Statement 3: The index considers eight pollutants – PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3 and Pb.
This statement is correct. The AQI takes into account eight key pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb). These pollutants are monitored to calculate the AQI.
Since all three statements are correct, the correct answer is option d) 1, 2 and 3.
