What is the Daily Air Quality Index? (DAQI)

The Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) gives information about levels of air pollution and provides recommended actions and health advice.

It is the index and banding system for monitoring air pollution which has been approved by the Committee on Medical Effects of Air Pollution Episodes (COMEAP) which advises the government on all matters concerning the health effects of air pollutants.

The overall air pollution index for a site or region is calculated from the highest concentration of five pollutants:

  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
  • Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
  • Ozone (O3)
  • Particles PM10
  • Particles PM2.5

DAQI provides a simple way to understand air pollution levels.

The index is numbered 1-10 and divided into four bands: low (1) to very high (10), to provide detail about air pollution levels in a simple way, similar to the sun index or pollen index.

You should follow the 3 steps below to use the Daily Air Quality Index.

Step 1: Determine whether you (or your children) are likely to be at-risk from air pollution.

Step 2: If you may be at-risk, and are planning strenuous activity outdoors, check the air pollution forecast.

Step 3: Use the health messages below corresponding to the highest forecast level of pollution as a guide.

Accompanying health messages for at-risk individuals

Band Advice
1 LOW:Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.
2
3
4 MODERATE:Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors.
5
6
7 HIGH:Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion.
8
9
10 VERY HIGH:Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often.

Accompanying health messages for the general population

Band Advice
1 LOW:Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.
2
3
4 MODERATE:Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.
5
6
7 HIGH:Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.
8
9
10 VERY HIGH:Reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat.