Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
air quality index
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
Diagram explaining air quality index (AQI) levels with a color-coded bar from green (good) to maroon (hazardous), describing health risks as air quality moves from healthy to unhealthy. Thick brown layer of smog obscures the Los Angeles skyline, with city buildings and neighborhoods visible beneath a blue sky.
New York City skyline tinted orange from wildfire smoke.

air quality index: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • Sophia Decherney
    Sophia Decherney is a freelance writer at Encyclopædia Britannica.
  • Melissa Petruzzello
    Melissa Petruzzello (she/her) is Assistant Managing Editor and covers plants, algae, fungi, insects, spiders, renewable energy and environmental engineering. She also handles certain topics in Christianity, notably Protestant history and churches. 

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Adjusted media display Jul 16, 2026
Diagram added. May 01, 2026
Media added. May 16, 2024
New article added. Apr 24, 2024
View Changes:
Article History
Revised:
By: