Air Quality Index
The air quality index is a measure determined by sensors that assess the levels of air pollution. These indices allow for a simple and comprehensive characterization of the air quality in urban areas, presented on graduated scales from 1 to 10 or levels ranging from "very good" to "very bad."
In France, several indices are used:
- Citeair Index: Developed in 2006 as part of a European project, this index is common to all European countries, facilitating easy comparison of data.
- ATMO Index: Determined based on pollution levels measured throughout the day by background stations, this index ranges from 1 (very good) to 10 (very bad) and is used for cities with over 100,000 inhabitants.
- IQA Index: A simplified ATMO index for cities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants, calculated from one or more sub-indices (SO₂, NO₂, O₃, or PM10).
For more localized information, discover our range of air quality monitors.