In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index?
- 1.Carbon dioxide
- 2.Carbon monoxide
- 3.Nitrogen dioxide
- 4.Sulphur dioxide
- 5.Methane.
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2, 3 and 4 only
- C.1, 4 and 5 only
- D.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B. 2, 3 and 4 only
The Air Quality Index (AQI) typically measures common air pollutants that affect human health. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide are primary criteria pollutants monitored for AQI calculations due to their direct health impacts. While carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and methane is a potent greenhouse gas and pollutant, they are not usually part of the standard AQI calculation for immediate health effects in urban environments.
Source: UPSC gs1 2016