Current Air Quality Index & Pollutant Levels
Sofia City, Bulgaria
Daily air quality forecast. PM2.5, PM10, O₃, NO₂, SO₂, CO.
Air Quality
42
Moderate
European AQI
Main pollutant: O₃
Sensitive groups (children, elderly, those with respiratory conditions) may experience symptoms. Consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.
Hourly forecast
AQIPM2.5 μg/m³
PM2.5
13.5μg/m³
90% of WHO limit (15 μg/m³)
PM10
13.8μg/m³
31% of WHO limit (45 μg/m³)
Ozone (O₃)
103.8μg/m³
100% of WHO limit (100 μg/m³)
NO₂
3.2μg/m³
13% of WHO limit (25 μg/m³)
SO₂
5.9μg/m³
15% of WHO limit (40 μg/m³)
CO
176.7μg/m³
4% of WHO limit (4000 μg/m³)
Daily air quality forecast
Today44Moderate27–61
Sat48Moderate33–61
Sun49Moderate32–61
Mon45Moderate30–62
Tue38Fair31–42
European AQI Scale
0–20Good
21–40Fair
41–60Moderate
61–80Poor
81–100Very Poor
100+Hazardous
The European Air Quality Index ranges from 0 (best) to 100+ (worst). It combines measurements of particulate matter and gas pollutants into a single number.
History — Past 30 days
What are these pollutants?
PM2.5 — Fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers. These particles are small enough to bypass the nose and throat, reaching deep into the lungs and even entering the bloodstream. Major sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and wildfires.
PM10 — Coarse particles smaller than 10 micrometers, including dust, pollen, and road surface wear. While larger than PM2.5, they still cause respiratory irritation and aggravate asthma.
O₃ — Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly — it forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in sunlight. Higher in summer afternoons. Can trigger asthma attacks and reduce lung function.
NO₂ — Nitrogen dioxide comes primarily from vehicle engines and power plants. It inflames the lining of the airways, making the lungs more susceptible to infection.
SO₂ — Sulfur dioxide is released by burning fossil fuels containing sulfur, especially coal and oil. Even short exposure can constrict airways, particularly in people with asthma.
CO — Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas from incomplete combustion of fuels. Outdoors, it mainly comes from vehicle traffic. At elevated levels, it reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
Dust (AOD) — AOD at 550nm. Above 0.3 = Saharan dust.
Air Quality FAQ
▶What is the Air Quality Index?
The European AQI is a number from 0 to 100+ that summarizes how clean or polluted the air is. It combines measurements of fine particles (PM2.5, PM10) and gases (ozone, NO₂, SO₂) into a single score. The higher the number, the worse the air quality and the greater the health risk.
▶Who is most sensitive to air pollution?
Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease are most vulnerable. Even moderate pollution levels (AQI 41–60) can trigger symptoms in these groups. Athletes and outdoor workers also face higher exposure due to increased breathing rates.
▶How can I protect myself?
On high-pollution days: stay indoors with windows closed, use air purifiers with HEPA filters, avoid strenuous outdoor exercise (especially near busy roads), and check the AQI forecast before planning activities. Even on moderate days, sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
▶When is air quality typically worst?
Ozone peaks on hot, sunny afternoons (summer). Particle pollution (PM2.5) is often worst in winter due to heating and temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground. Rush-hour traffic causes NO₂ spikes morning and evening. Dust events and wildfires can cause sudden, severe spikes any time of year.
Data: Copernicus CAMS · CC-BY-4.0
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