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U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur Air Quality Monitor

The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are working together to record air quality in the U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the globe. U.S. Embassy’s reference-grade Air Quality Monitor, effectively links Kuala Lumpur to air quality index information and health messaging from the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Particulates less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM 2.5) are referred to as “fine” particulates and are believed to pose the largest health risks.  PM 2.5 is a standard recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and allows us to compare against U.S. standard measures.  PM 2.5 particulates are of concern since they are small enough to directly enter the lungs and even the bloodstream.  For more information, please visit the EPA site .

The U.S. EPA has developed a formula to convert PM 2.5 readings into an air quality index (AQI) value that can help inform health-related decisions. For example, an AQI value of 50 represents good air quality with little potential to affect public health, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality. For more information on AQI and how it is calculated, please click here .

 

Air Quality Index Levels of Health ConcernNumerical ValueMeaning
Good0 to 50Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk
Moderate51 to 100Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups101 to 150Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.
Unhealthy151 to 200Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Very Unhealthy201 to 300Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
Hazardous301 to 500Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.