Air quality index

Air quality index is a simplified way how to visualise and understand air quality information. The European Air Quality Index (AQI) converts air pollution concentration levels for the four major pollutants (NO₂, PM₁₀, PM_2.5 or O₃) into a 6-point scale, from "Good" through to "Extremely poor"; the concentration thresholds for each band and for each pollutant are given in the table below. For more information please see the European Environment Agency webpage on the European Air Quality Index.

Legend explained

The bands are based on the relative risks associated to short-term exposure to PM_2.5, O₃ and NO₂, as defined by the World Health Organization in its report on the Health Risks of Air Pollution in Europe project (HRAPIE project report). For SO₂, the bands reflect the limit values set under the EU Air Quality Directive.

The index is calculated hourly for all quality monitoring stations located in the northern part of Cyprus. By default, the air quality index depicts the situation 1 hour ago.

Polutant	Index level
	(based on pollutant concentration in µg/m3)
	Good	Fair	Moderate	Poor	Very poor	Extremely poor
Pollutant Particles less than 2.5 pm (PM2.5)	0-10	10-20	20-25	25-50	50-75	75-800
Particles less than 10 pm (PM10)	0-20	20-40	40-50	50-100	100-150	150-1200
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)	0-40	40-90	90-120	120-230	230-340	340-1000
Ozone (O3)	0-50	50-100	100-130	130-240	240-380	380-800
Sulphur dioxide (SO2)	0-100	100-200	200-350	350-500	500-750	750-1250

Heath messages

The index bands are complemented by health related messages that provide recommendations for both the general population and sensitive populations. The latter includes both adults and children with respiratory problems and adults with heart conditions.

AQ index	General population	Sensitive populations
Good	The air quality is good. Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.	The air quality is good. Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.
Fair	Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.	Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.
Moderate	Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.	Consider reducing intense outdoor activities, if you activities experience symptoms.
Poor	Consider reducing intense activities outdoors, if you experience symptoms such as sore eyes, a cough or sore throat.	Consider reducing physical activities, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms.
Very poor	Consider reducing intense activities outdoors, if you experience symptoms such as sore eyes, a cough or sore throat.	Reduce physical activities, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms.
Extremely poor	Reduce physical activities outdoors.	Avoid physical activities outdoors.

Why air quality is important?

Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risk to health. Outdoor air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting everyone in low, middle, and high-income countries. In 2019, 99% of the world’s population was living in places where the WHO air quality guidelines levels were not met. The combined effects of ambient air pollution and household air pollution are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually, while ambient (outdoor) air pollution alone is estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019.

By reducing air pollution levels, countries can reduce the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma.

Impact of sand and dust storms

In Cyprus sand and dust storms are common and are one of the most significant contributors to air pollution.

According to World Health Organization sand and dust storms present a formidable, widespread threat to health and hinder the achievement of sustainable development in its economic, social and environmental dimensions. Originating from the land, these particles of various size and composition get lifted in the air, creating storms. This is especially the case in dry regions, where vegetation is sparse or absent, such as deserts and agricultural land impacted by drought. Their wide impact goes beyond human health and air quality, as it also impacts agriculture, environment, industry, transport and water quality.

It is estimated 25% of dust emissions originates from human activities, including deforestation, land degradation, unsustainable land management, climate change and water mismanagement. Climate change contributes to desertification, which in turn may increase the frequency and spread of sand and dust storms. Recently, the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region and other areas have observed a surge in frequency, duration and intensity of sand and dust storms.