The Central Pollution Control Board clarified that its 500-point ceiling mirrors international benchmarks like the US EPA scale, where all values above this threshold trigger the same severe health advisories. Official data relies on scientifically validated 24-hour rolling averages, which smooth out short-term spikes to capture long-term exposure. In contrast, commercial platforms frequently utilize low-cost sensors that record hourly fluctuations, occasionally reporting levels beyond 1,500 during Diwali while government figures remained below 400.
Key points
The 500-point index limit aligns with international standards because higher numbers do n…: The 500-point index limit aligns with international standards because higher numbers do not change public health advisories.
Discrepancies between official and private data stem from measuring sustained exposure ve…: Discrepancies between official and private data stem from measuring sustained exposure versus immediate hourly pollution spikes.
Regulators maintain that 24-hour averages offer a more reliable and scientifically sound…: Regulators maintain that 24-hour averages offer a more reliable and scientifically sound metric for community health guidance.
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People stroll amid smog as air quality deteriorates in Delhi
NEW DELHI: The Central Pollution Control Board on Tuesday defended its air quality monitoring methodology, explaining why official AQI readings are capped at 500 even as private monitoring apps reported levels as high as 1,800 in Delhi after Diwali.The clarification came amid questions over the wide disparity between government data and readings displayed by private air quality monitoring platforms.The CPCB said the 500-point ceiling was an intentional feature of the National Air Quality Index (NAQI), consistent with international practices. It explained that readings beyond 500 would not change the health advisory, as all such levels fall under the 'Severe' category."The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to the people in terms that are easy to understand. AQI is an indicative scale designed to convey the likely health implications of prevailing air quality conditions. The AQI category along with the associated health statement is more significant than the corresponding AQI value within that category," the board said in a statement.
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