Particulate Concentration Calculator — Formula
## Particulate Matter and Air Quality
PM2.5 refers to fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers. These penetrate deep into the lungs and are the most health-relevant air pollutant.
### AQI Estimation
**AQI = PM2.5 (ug/m³) x 500 / 500.4**
This is a simplified linear approximation. The actual EPA AQI uses piecewise breakpoints. Generally, 0-12 ug/m³ is Good (AQI 0-50), 12-35.4 is Moderate (51-100), and above 55.4 is Unhealthy (151-200).
PM2.5 refers to fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers. These penetrate deep into the lungs and are the most health-relevant air pollutant.
### AQI Estimation
**AQI = PM2.5 (ug/m³) x 500 / 500.4**
This is a simplified linear approximation. The actual EPA AQI uses piecewise breakpoints. Generally, 0-12 ug/m³ is Good (AQI 0-50), 12-35.4 is Moderate (51-100), and above 55.4 is Unhealthy (151-200).
Exemplo Resolvido
The local air quality monitor reads 35 ug/m³ PM2.5.
- Simplified AQI = 35 x 500 / 500.4 = 35 (approximately)
- Linear low-range AQI = 35 x 50 / 12 = 146
- In mg/m³ = 35 / 1000 = 0.035 mg/m³
- This falls in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range