[Comparative Analysis and Inspiration of Air Quality Index Between China and America]

Research on the differences of air quality index (AQI) especially AQI of particulate matters between China and America and analysis of hourly monitored readings from April to December in 2013 released by Environmental Monitoring Station of China indicated that: (1) Although China lagged behind America in formulating and publishing of AQI standards, the AQI standards published in 2012 in China covered more pollutant indexes than before and could objectively reflect the characteristics of air pollution in China, and were more close to the residens's feeling about air quality. (2) The methods adopted for calculation of particulate matter hourly AQI were different in China and America, and the comparison revealed that the calculation method adopted by China using the 24 h average concentration breakpoint of particulate matters to replace the 1 h average concentration breakpoint would enhance the severity of the pollution level. (3) The breakpoint of PM2.5 -24 h in China was less rigorous than that in America when AQI < 200, which led to the inconsistence between the ratio of PM2.5/PM10 and the real situation in China. (4) Analysis on the monitoring readings from station of Beijing Olympic Sports Center showed that when AQI < 50, the ratio of PM2.5/PM10 was less than 0.5 and increased with.the increasing of AQI. Correction and adjustment of particulate matter real-time calculation method and breakpoints of PM2.5 and PM10 were suggested in China.