How does Aura measure Air Quality?

Modified on Fri, 24 Apr at 7:40 AM

What Is AQI?

Aura Air's Air Quality Index (AQI) was developed based on academic research, national AQIs, and other important considerations.

The AQI scale goes from 0 = 'Excellent' to 500 = 'Hazardous' with 8 color-coded categories of equal lengths:

Aura AQI Levels — Thresholds, Alerts & Device Response

What Does the Device Measure?

Outdoor AQI
The Outdoor AQI section in your Aura Air app shows real-time air quality data from weather stations near your location. It gives you a quick snapshot of the air quality outside your home or office so you can decide when to open windows, go for a walk, or keep the purifier running.

Outdoor AQI vs. Indoor AQI — What's the Difference?
The Outdoor AQI is sourced from a nearby public weather station, not your Aura device.
Your Indoor AQI is measured directly by your Aura Air unit in real time.

It is normal for outdoor and indoor AQI values to differ. Your Aura Air purifier actively works to keep your indoor air cleaner than outside, especially during high outdoor pollution events.

Outdoor AQI
Indoor AQI
Source
Public weather station near your location
Your Aura Air device
Updates
Every few minutes via the weather API
Continuously — LIVE
Controls
Not controllable
Managed by your Aura purifier
Use
Plan outdoor activities
Monitor your purified air

	Outdoor AQI	Indoor AQI
Source	Public weather station near your location	Your Aura Air device
Updates	Every few minutes via the weather API	Continuously — LIVE
Controls	Not controllable	Managed by your Aura purifier
Use	Plan outdoor activities	Monitor your purified air

Indoor AQI

CO – Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas produced from burning fuels such as wood, oil, natural gas, kerosene, coal, and gasoline. Because CO is invisible, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating, it can cause harm before you are aware of its presence. CO is measured in PPM (parts per million).

Amount of CO (PPM)	Risk Level	Description
0–4	Low (Excellent)	Normal indoor background, no health concern.
4–9	Good	Typical range; well-managed appliances.
9–15	Acceptable	Elevated; inspect combustion sources.
15–25	Poor	High: ventilate immediately; check appliances.
>25	Unhealthy–Hazardous	Dangerous: evacuate and call emergency services.
>70	CO Emergency	IDLH threshold: life hazard. Evacuate immediately.

CO₂ – Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the gas that people and plants exhale while breathing. Different levels of CO₂ in the air can cause different side effects. Levels are measured in PPM (parts per million).

Amount of CO₂ (PPM)	Risk Level	Effects
400–750	Excellent	Normal outdoor/indoor levels — WELL Platinum range.
750–900	Good	Typical occupied spaces; good ventilation.
900–1,000	Acceptable	ASHRAE 62.1 limit; consider improving ventilation.
1,000–1,500	Elevated	Drowsiness may begin; increase fresh air.
1,500–2,000	Poor	Complaints of drowsiness and nausea; ventilate.
2,000–2,500	Unhealthy	Significant impairment; urgently improve ventilation.
>2,500	Hazardous	Risk of oxygen deprivation; evacuate if sustained.

VOCs – Volatile Organic Compounds

Total Volatile Organic Compounds are a large group of chemicals found in many products we use to build and maintain our homes. Once in our homes, they are released or "off-gassed" into the indoor air we breathe. VOC levels are measured in ppb (parts per billion).

Amount of TVOC (µg/m³)	Risk Level	Recommendation
0–150	Excellent	Hygienic levels — EN 16516 compliant.
150–250	Good	Acceptable indoor air quality.
250–400	Acceptable	Monitor; identify emission sources if persistent.
400–600	Elevated	Investigate sources; increase ventilation.
600–1,000	Poor	High risk of exposure; ventilate the area immediately.
1,000–3,000	Unhealthy	Avoid prolonged exposure; purify air urgently.
>3,000	Hazardous	Dangerous levels. Evacuate the space and ensure it is ventilated.

PM10 – Particulate Matter 10

Particles in the PM10 size range are commonly present in the air and can be drawn into the body with every breath. In the lungs, particles can have a direct physical effect and/or be absorbed into the blood. The recommended normal level of PM10 should not exceed 100 micrograms per cubic meter.

Amount Per m³	Risk Level	Effects on Environment
0–55	Good (0–50)	No impacts.
56–155	Moderate (51–100)	Individuals sensitive to NO₂ should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
156–255	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150)	Increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms for sensitive groups; children, elderly, and medically affected should limit lengthened outdoor exertion.
256–355	Unhealthy (151–200)	Significant increase of respiratory symptoms; sensitive groups, children, and elderly should avoid lengthened outdoor exertion; general public should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
356–425	Very Unhealthy (201–300)	Serious increase of respiratory symptoms; sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor exertion; general public should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
426+	Hazardous (301–500)	Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should remain indoors.

PM 2.5 – Fine Particulate Matter

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an air pollutant that is a concern for people’s health when levels in the air are high. PM2.5 particles reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. PM2.5 is measured every 24 hours in micrograms per cubic meter.

Amount Per m³	Risk Level	Effects on Environment
0–12.0	Good (0–50)	No impacts.
12.1–35.4	Moderate (51–100)	Individuals sensitive to NO₂ should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
35.5–55.4	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150)	Increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms for sensitive groups; children, elderly, and medically affected should limit lengthened outdoor exertion.
55.5–150.4	Unhealthy (151–200)	Significant increase of respiratory symptoms; sensitive groups should avoid lengthened outdoor exertion; general public should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
150.5–250.4	Very Unhealthy (201–300)	Serious increase; sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor exertion; general public should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
250.5–500.4	Hazardous (301–500)	Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should remain indoors.