We measure Air Quality Index AQI at Sand and Steel to keep you safe.  A lower Air Quality Index means there are less pollutants in the air.  Learn more about AQI and how you can see current AQI levels in Sand and Steel and in Alexandria VA

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What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

It is a measure of pollution in the air.  All major countries (Mexico, China, UK, etc.) have their own AIR Quality Index for measuring air quality and pollution.

Why Do We Measure Air Quality Index?

Pollutants are harmful to your health.  As we systematically improve the air at Sand and Steel, we need to measure whether the changes we make create a positive difference.  If we switch the floor cleaner, change the type of air filters we use, does it improve or lower Air Quality?  Now, we’ll know, and so will you.

What Air Quality Information Can I see at Sand and Steel?

You can see Air Quality Index information in the gym and you can see the outside Alexandria VA Air Quality.

How is AQI Calculated?

It is determined by the following formula:

Basically, you measure all the pollutants (CO, SO2, etc) for each pollutant, and average them.

What is Air Quality Exactly?

A Lower AQI means there are less pollutants in the air.  

What Pollutants Are Considered?

• Ground-level ozone: Ground-level ozone is a colorless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the earth’s surface. It is called a “secondary” pollutant because it is produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnant air. These two primary pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  NOx and VOCs come from natural sources as well as human activities. About 95 per cent of NOx from human activity come from the burning of coal, gasoline and oil in motor vehicles, homes, industries and power plants. VOCs from human activity come mainly from gasoline combustion and marketing, upstream oil and gas production, residential wood combustion, and from the evaporation of liquid fuels and solvents. Significant quantities of VOCs also originate from natural (biogenic) sources such as coniferous forests.
• Particle pollution (also known as particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10)
• Carbon monoxide: common sources include: clothes dryers, water heaters, furnaces or boilers, fireplaces, both gas and wood burning, gas stoves and ovens, motor vehicles, grills, generators, power tools, lawn equipment, wood stoves, and tobacco smoke.
• Sulfur dioxide: is a gas primarily emitted from fossil fuel combustion at power plants and other industrial facilities, as well as fuel combustion in mobile sources such as locomotives, ships, and other equipment.
• Nitrogen dioxide: the main source of nitrogen dioxide resulting from human activities is the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil) especially fuel used in cars. It is also produced from making nitric acid, welding and using explosives, refining of petrol and metals, commercial manufacturing, and food manufacturing.

What is a Good AQI Score?

AQI goes from 1-500.  Sand and Steel Keeps AQI Under 20.  Anything under 50 is good, clean air.  AQI values below 100 are satisfactory.

AQI Chart and Colors

Green	Good	0 to 50	The Gold Standard for Clean Air. Sand and Steel Fitness maintains an AQI under 50 at all times.
Yellow	Moderate	51 to 100	Air quality is acceptable, but certain populations will experience air irritation. You’ll find this level of air quality at crowded gym with poor HVAC.
Orange	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	101 to 150	When to orange, a good number of sensitive people will experience health effects. You can expect this level of air quality in gyms that don’t have good air circulation and HVAC.
Red	Unhealthy	151 to 200	Red and below is dangerous, especially when working out. If your gym has a red AQI, you need to find a new gym.
Purple	Very Unhealthy	201 to 300	Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
Maroon	Hazardous	301 and higher	Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.