,['j;

'

POFllUl

Deporfment Of Environment Mo loy

2000

A Guide To Air Pollutant lndex ln Malaysia

(API)

Department of Environment
Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment
12th & 13th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby
Jalan Raja Laut

50662 KUATA TUMPUR

MATAYSIA
O3-294 7844

fel:

Homepage: www.jas.sains.my

F irst Edition 1993

Second Edition 1996
Third Edition 1997
Fourth Edition 2ooo

ACKNO\ LEDGMENT
The Dpartrnent of Envircnment wishes to acknowledge the contributions by the
following organisations in producing this publication:

(i) Universiti Putra Malaysia

(ii) Alam Sekitar Malaysia Sdn Bhd

FOREWORD

The Air Pollutant lndex (APl) is established to

provide easily understandable information about
air pollution to the public. lts predecessor was the
Malaysian Air Quality lndex (MAQI) which was
developed after a study done by the University
Pertanian Malaysia in 1993. In line with the need

for

regional harmonisation and

for

easy

comparison with the countries in ASEAN, the API

was adopted in 1996. The API follows closely the
Pollutant Standard lndex (PSl) developed by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency
(u5-EPA).

Air pollution levels are determined using internationally recognised ambient

air quality measuring techniques. The pollutants measured which include
sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and suspended
particulate matters of less than ten microns in size are considered health
related pollutants. API is then computed using the technique developed by
US-EPA.

With the publication of this information booklet, I hope the public will have
a better understanding of the APl. Last but not least, I would like to
acknowledge with thanks the contributions by University Putra Malaysia,
ASMA Sdn Bhd and all those who have contributed towards the publication
of th is booklet.

WAM*:-:
HAIAH ROSNANI IBARAHIM
Director-Ceneral of Environment
Malaysia.

A GUIDE TO AIR POLLUTANT INDEX IN MALAYSIA

Introduction

In 1989, the Departrnent of Environment (DOE) formulated a set of air quality

guidelines, termed Recommended Malaysian Air Quality Guidelines (RMG) for
air pollutants, dehning the concenhation limits of selected air pollutants which
might adversely affect the health and welfare of the general public. Based on the
RMG, the Dparhnent subsequently developed its first air quality index system,
known as the Malaysian Air Quality Index (MAQI) in 1993. An index system
plays an important role in conveying to both decision-makers and tle general

public the status of ambient air quality, ranging fiom good to hazardous.
Application of the hdex system, particularly in indusaialised countries, has
demonshated its useful role in providing a sound basis for both the effective
management of air quality, as well as the effective protection ofpublic health.

ln line with the need for regional harmonisation and for easy comparison with
countries in the region, the Departrnent revised its index system in 1996, and the
Air Pollutant Index (API) was adopted. The API system of Malaysia closely
follows the Pollurant Standard lndex (PSI) systen ofthe United States.
Air Pollutant Indx (AlI)
Recommended Malaysian

Air Quality Guidelines

An air pollution index system normally includes the major air pollutants which
could cause poteutial harm to human health should they reach unsafe levels. The
air pollutants included in Malaysia's API are ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and suspended particulate matter
of less than l0 microns in size (PMl0).
Generally, an air pollution index system is deyeloped in easily understood ranges
of values, instead of using the actual concenhations of air pollutants, as a means
for reporting the quality of aa or level ofair pollution. To reflect the status ofthe
air quality and its effects on human health, the ranges of index values could
then be categorised as follows: good, modemte, unlealthy, very unhealthy and

hazardous. The index values may also be categorised accordhg to episode or

action criteria, such as air pollutant levels within stipulated standards, or levels
signifying conditions for alert, waming, emergency aad significant harm. The
key reference point in these air pollution index systems is the index value of 100

(the "safe" limit), which is based on the National

Guidelines for the spcifrc air pollutants concemed.

Air Quality

Standards or

The Recommended Malaysian An Quality Guidelines (RMG) which form the

basis for calculating the API are presented in Table 1. These guidelines have
been derived from available scientific and human health data, and basically
represent "safe levels" below which no adverse health effects have been
observed. The RMG are generally comparable to the conesponditg air quatity
standards recommended by the World Health Organisation and other countries.

The averaging time, which varies ftom I to 24 hours for the different air
pollutants in the RMG, represents the period of time over which measurements

is monitored and reported for the

assessment

of human health impacts of

specific air pollutants. As such, the air pollution indices are normally monitored
and reported for the same averaging times as those employed for the air quality
standards/guidelines.

A?I
As mentioned earlier, the API system closely follows the PSI system of the
United States. As such, the API breakpoints at 100 for the various air pollutants
correspond to the respective RMG concenftations regarded as being "safe
levels". In other words, air quality with API values exceeding 100 are
considered likely to cause health effects to the general public. Further, a linear
corelation is assumed from API 0 to API 100, with the breakpoint at API 50
conesponding to 50% of the RMG concentration standards for the various air
pollutants.
Breakpoints at API 200, 300, 400 and 500 directly mirror those of the PSI
system of the United States. Figures I to 5 depict tle sub-index functions of the
five API pollutants involved, which are used as the basis for calculating the
APL The respective breakpoints and their corresponding episode category
descriptors are also indicated. The relevant equations for the calculation ofAPI
values for the various concenfration segmenls are also presented in Figures I
to 5. The coresponding API values calculated as a firnction of the air pollutant

concentrations are listed in Table 3. Further, air quality in terms of human health
impacts and implications are categorised as follows under the API system
adopted in Malaysia:

API

DESCRIPTOR

0-50

good
modemte

51 - 100
101 - 200
201 - 300

>300

unhealthy
very unhealthy
hazardous

Table 4 summarises additional information on general human health effects and

cautionary statements within each ofthe API categories.

Followirg the requirements of the RMG from the standpoint of human health
implications, the API values are reported for varying averaging tirne as follows:
PMIO and SO, on 24-hour running averages, CO on 8-hour running averages and
O3 and NO2 on l-hour running averages. The API for PM10 (based on a 24-hour
period ruming average), reflects specifically levels of suspended particulate
natter pollution and it may not be linked directly to visibility factors, as visibility
is often determined by results of semi-quantitative observations over relatively
shorter time periods.

How Is the Air Pollutant Index Calculated?

To determine the API for a given tirne period, the sub-index values (sub-A?I) for
all five air pollutants included in the API system are fust calculated using the
above mentioned sub-index furctions for the air quality data collected ftom the
Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Stations. The corresponding air quality clata
are subjected lo the necessary quality control processes and quality assurance
procedwes, prior to the sub-index calculations.
The API value reported for a given time period represents the highest API value
among all the sub-APIs calculated during that particular time period. The
predominant parameter contributing towards a particular A?I value is normally
indicated alongside the API value. For example, during the 1997 haze episode,
the predominant air pollutant parameter was PMlo and heuce the API values
reported were primarily based on the PMIO sub-index.

This approach is also adopted by the PSI system ofthe United States, and is also
commonly followed by other countries in an effort to promote a uniform and
comparable API system. Ideally, all sub-API yalues exceeding the API 100
threshold limit should also be reported in addition to the predominant API value
per se.

The following is an outline of the procedures involved ia calculating the API

values (process flow chart is shown in Figure 6):-

(r)

Collect continuous air quality data for the five air pollutants in the API
system for sufficient averaging time periods;

(ii)

Conduct the necessary calibration, validation, quality control and quality

assruance in the process ofdata collection;

(iii)

Calculate average concentration

of the specific air pollutants for

the

specified averaghg time periods;

(iu)

Calculate sub-hdex value for each of the five air pollutants based on the

average concentrations calculated and

functions (Figures I -5):
(u)

with the use of the sub-index

Report the API at a given time for the preceding averaging period (taking
the common end point of l-hour, 8-hour or 24-hour for all hve
pollutants) in temls ofthe highest sub-hdex value obtained; i.e.
API = Max {sub-indices of all five air pollutants}
State the specific air pollutant responsible
predominant pammeter along with the index;
State the relevant health effect category

Report also other sub-indices,

if

for the API value as the

ofthe API reported;

any, which exceed 100 (thereby

indicating violation of an RMG).

(vi)

An example of graphically presenting the air quality in terms ofthe API,

that can be used for reporting in the TV media, is shown in Figure 7. The
shaded segments may be represented by successive colours of the
specfium: "good" (blue); "moderate" (green); "unhealthy" (yellow); "very
unhealthy" (orange); "hazardous" (red). This would give a subjective
impression of a gradual worsening of the air pollution problem with each
descriptor category.
7

Table

Recommended Malaysia Air euality Cuidelines (at 25" Celsius

and 101 .1 3 kPa) adopted in Air Pollutant lndex calculation

POTTUTANT

AND
MTTHOD

AVERACINC
TIME

OZONE

AS 2524

8 HOUR

CARBON #

(u/m')

0.10
0.06

200

30

120

35
10

l HOUR
24 HOUR

o.'17

320

0.04

AS 2695

SUTFER

HOUR

(pp'n)

B HOUR

MONOXIDE
NITROCEN
DIOXIDE
AS 2447

HOUR

MALAYSIA
CUIDETI NES

1O

MINUTE

0.19
0.13
0.04

500
350

DIOXIDE
AS 2523

HOUR
24 HOUR

PMl

24 HOUR

150

1 YEAR

50

AS 2724.6

105

#mg/m3

Table

2:

Significant Harm Level to Apl value of 5o0

Pollutant and Averaging Time

Concentration
(!rglm')

(ppml

57,500

50

3,750

2.O

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

thr

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO')

thr

Ozone
t hr

(Ot
1,200

0.6

Particulate Matter (PMl 0)

24 ht
Sulfer Dioxide (SO)
24 hr

600

2,620

1.0

Table 3: API vaLues, llt stps of 5, fron 5 to

Fglml

15
20

150

200

29
30
35

30

50

al
350
8o

45
50

r00

55

550

60
65

650

124

70
75

130
150

80

a5

avJ

9m
95

140

954
200

r015

2r0

1r5
1m
r25

rr05

224
230

130

l2

10

260

135

12

45

2lo

r2 80

2AO

145
150

13 15

t350

290
3L0

155
160

13

85
20
14 55

310
32A
330

105

165

250

14

175

1525

1&

t5 60

350

!g/ml

15
21
26

75
00
25

f9ln3

OO

15 00

64 00

20 00
25 00

aO O0

3l
75
42 0o
47 25
52 50

96 00
11244
128 00
144 00
160 00

57 15
63 m
6a 25
73 50
78 75

00
00
00
22100
240 00

31
16

a4
3B
94
99
105

m
25
50
75
00

/5
50
24925
244 00
27475
139
174

50
25
00
41175
452 50
313
348
343

1/6

192
206

256 00
272
23a
304
320

0A
00
00
00

50
00
AAl5A
{42 00
52250

r9

15

95

16 30

360
370
360
390
400

,15

!0

135
ra0
225

o1o

?70
315
360
405

so 00
60 00
TAAA
30 00
90 00
100 0n

495

120 00
iro 00

765

r40 0!
r50 J0

oTt

- a-l-

0015 -o0006
00m 0oo8
0025 0010

o 055

0026
003,1

C043

012

0 051

016

0 068

020

0@5

oo22
o 024

0 094
0 102

0f2

o 136

0
0

036
03a

585

a l0

r53

a 162

3tio

1Al 00

0l

053
066

0 r92

J70

130m
1ql 0l

092

0 255

01ta
0 13J

0299

1a3
r95
0 209
a 222
0 235

a {al
0 42e
0 450

?4a
251
0271
0 2at

0
0
0
0

563

603
54tl
@4
725

00
50
00
50
00

447.25 765 50
AA &6 00
7s 8,t6 50
50 8a7 00
25 527 aA

522
556
591
626
661
695

30 00
35 00
.0 00

'd-a

aor

00 968 00
75 1006 50
730.50 1019@
195
16.65
76525 1069 50
26
400 o0
1130 @
CO is h..sur.d rs d I br.vcr.s., Ol a.d NO2 ft I
145

r./mj
10 00

500

;4m

-1000
20 00
23O 00
240 00
250 00

12

2@ @

12 30

0 155

270 @

2& m

60
12 90

0 165

29

@
3@ @

1320

3r0 @

13 80

320
330

0l

0 213

0 3?1

0 145
00

12

13

1,1

3,rO.O)

50

10

0 175

o 185
0 191
0 196

0
0

0
0

350 m
br evd.8cs. SO2

r.d pNllo

arc 24

br.vc,ag.s

0 471
0 493
514

536
557

579

mg/m3 [9/n]
210
215
220
225
230
235
240
245

2g
2@
265
270
275
240

2q
295
300

cont. inued

Fgln3 pslnl

gglml

1243

0.220

1300
1356

357.00
360.50
354.00

16 50

480

840
920
960

17.25
18.00

0.230
0.240

500

1000

1413

Q57.50

18.75

0.250

505
540
560
sao
600

,005
l080

1469

372.5

1526
1542

374.50
378 00
381.50
385.00

23.75
20 25
21.00

o 274

26.35
27.20

620

1240

640

1240

1808

2A.05

6S
6ao
700

1320
1360

1865

24.90
29.75
30.@
31.45
32.30
33.15
34.00

724
744
Td)

18.70

1955

460

20.40
21.25
26 25
23 a0

24.65
25.50

'1120
1160
1200

1400

1639
1695

0.24o
0.290
0.300

392.00
395.50
399.00

24.AO

0.310
0 320

24.75
25.50

0.340

4O2.4,0

2625

0.350

406.00
409.50
413 o0
416.50
420.00

27.gJ
27.75
24.50
29.25
30.00

0 370
0.380
0 390
0.400

30.50
31.00
31.50
32.00
32.50

0405

38A.50

1921
1978

2031
1480
1520

2091
2147

800

1560
1600

2204
2260

780

2175
22.&

810

1625

2297

424.O0

820

1650

2334

42800

1675
1700

2371

36.40
37.00

630
840
850

432.00
436.00
440.00

330

37.60

860

'17fi

335

34.20

E70

'tT75

340

3E.60

840

345

39.40

690

350

.10.00

900

r800
1425
r850

305
310

34.60
35.20

315

35.4O

320

1725

355

40.60

910

360

41.20

365

41.E0

370

4210

375

a3.00

920
930
940
950

1075
1900

360
3a5
390
395

,t3.60

9O

20oo

4.20

m25

11_@

970
9@

45.,()

99

ll

2556

2593
2630

266f

1925
195,0

2T7A

1975

2E15

2050
2075
hr

2442
2519

270d
2741

46@
CO is mc.lurcd .s

2404
2445

rvaag., 03 nd

2a52
28a9
?326
2963
30m

0 330

0 360

0.410

0415
0.420
0.425

3.00

0.430

444.00
452.00
456.00
460.00

33.50
34.00
34.50
35.00

0435

464.00
464.00

35.50
36.00
36.50

0.455
0:160
0.465
0.470
o.175

472_OO

476.00
440 00

37.0O

:16.4.00

34.00
34.50
39.00
39.50
40.00

4!6.00
a92.00
496.00
500 00

NO2 ar! I -hr

l0

tvcntcsi

37.&

0.440
0.445
0.450

0.4E0

0.4a5
0.a90
0.495

SO2 ard PM l0

0.330
0.345
0.360
0.375
5.375
0.405
0.420
0.435
0.450
0.465
0 4a0
0 495
0 510
0.525
0.540
0.555
0 570
0.585
0.600
0.610
0.620
0.630
0.640
0.650
0 660
0.670
0.60
0.690
0.700
0.710
0.720
0 730
0 740
0.750

0.660
0.690
0.724

0.760
0.770

1.520

0.7E0
o 790

1.560

0 750

575
0.810
0.840
0.870
0.900
0.930
0.960
0 990
1.020
1.050
1.080

1110
1.140
1 174
1.200

1220
1.240
1260
1.280
1.300

t.320
1.3,10

1.360
1 360

1.400

1.424
1.4,{0

L460
1.480
1.500

1.540
1.580
1

rr. z+ht lvcntcs

600

mdm3 yg/rt
410
a15

1m

47.15
47.73
4E.30

'1@O

t8.88

1050

1G0
t0/t0

F9ln3 !g/m3
2152
2174
2201

160

1Q

49.45
50.03
50.60

4,15

5i-18

1090

4aa

5r.75

1100

2308
233,.
2360

430
:135

455
460
465
170
175

4&
a6
a9
495
5m

1070

160

continued)

2256
2242

!g/m3

3113
3150
31a8

515.q)

41.50

520.@
525.00

12.0O

0.515
0.520

42.50

055

Q25

59.@

,*1.00

0_5$

3253
3300
3334

535.@
5:lO.@
545.00
550.@

.50

0_535

:!1.00

0.5ro

44-50
,t5.00

0.545
0.550

555.@

:15.50

5@.@

16.00
46.50
47.00
17 _50

0.555
0.560
0 565
0.570
0.575

0.830
0.440
0.850
0.860
0.870
0.840
0.890
0.900
0.910
0.920
0.930
0.940
0.950

5&.@

44.00
,ts_50
49.00
,t9.50
$.00

0.5&
0.545
0.590
0.596
0_6@

0.960
0.970
0.940
0.990
1.000

1110

2386

52.90
53.48

1120

2412
2434

5:1.05
5:1.53

11:t0
1150

2161

2490

3413
3450
3488
3525
3563

55.20
55.7a
56.35
56.93
s7 50

1160
1170
1180
1190
lUtO

25t6
2512
2566
2594
2620

$00
638
$75
3713
3750

I h rvcng..

O.] asd NO2 ar. I -lu !vcra86: SO: ard PM l0

CO rs nl.asurd ar

1130

565.@
570.@
575.@

ll

5E5.00

5$.m
595.@

6d).O

aI. 2+hr avcns.s

1.650
1.640
1.700

1.720
1.740
1.760

r.780

1.o0
1.820
1.6,10

60

r.880

1.$0
1.920
1.910
1.960

1.$0
2.@0

Table 4i Comparison

ofAPlval!6s with levalof pollution and haalth measurs'

Status

Level of Pollution

Good

Pollution low and has no ill

oflscts on health.

Health l\,leasures

+
0-50

5.1

1oo

101-2OO

Moderate

Unhealthy

Moderate poltution and has no

effcts on

health

r'

ill

symptoms
e
disease

Mild aggravation of
among high risk persons, i
thos with heart or lung

No rslriction of aclivilios for all groups

of people.
To practice halthy lifestylo
e.g. not to smoke, exercise regularly
and to obssN propr nulrition.

4r No rostriction of activities for all groups

rt
+

of Pople'
To Practice healthy lifeslyle
e-g. nol to smok, exercis regularly
and to obs6rvo propr nutrition.

Restriclion ofoutdoor activitiss

for high risk persons
G6neral population should reducs

vigorous outdoor activily.

Table 4: continued

Status

201 -

300

Vgry
Unhoallhy

Level oI Pollution

Heallh Mast/res

of

Significant aggravation
symptoms and dcroased
toleranco in person vvith
or lung

disase.

exerciso
heart

s
4

301 -

500

Hazardous

symptoms
health.

Svere aggravation of
and endangrs

a
Abovs

5O0

Emerygncy

symploms
health.

Severe agglavation of
anc, endangrs

Sourco: Minislry ot He3lth, Malaysia.

Elderly and persons with known heart

or lung disease should stay indoors
and rduc physical activity.
Genel populaiion should avoid
vigorous outdoor aclivity
Those with any health problems
to consult doclor

Elderiy end psrsons with exislin

hart or lung disoase should stay
indoors and reduce physical
activity.
General population should avoid
vigorous outdoor activily

cneral population advisd to

follow th6 orders ot tho National
Securi9 Council and always
to follow the announcaments through
the mass rnedia.

Figure 1 : API subindex function for carbon monoxide

SIGMFICANT HARM I-EVFJ-

500
450
400

400

EMERGENCY

350

300

WARNING LEVEL

Lt.l

a
l

250

200

I50
ALERT LEIEL

150
100

50

MAQG

50

% MAQG

20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0

0.00 5.0 10.0 15.0(8-hOUT
RUNNING AVERAGE )

CARBON MONOXIDE

40

45

PPM

Equation for the calculation ofAPI based on 8- hour average concentation:

conc<9ppm
9 < conc. <

15

15 < conc. <

conc. > 30

30

ppm

API=conc.x

ll.l1lll

API = 100 + {[conc.

9] x 16.66667\

A?I = 200 + {[conc.

15] x 6.66667]

30] x 10]

API

t4

300 + {[conc.

50.

Figure 2 : API subindex function for ozone

SENIFTCaNT

500

tI{ Mr5tsL

450
400
350

Iz

300

250

zoo

150

100
50
0

0.00

0.10

0.20

0.30

0.40

0.50

OZONE (1 -hour AVERAGE), ppm

Equation for the calculation ofAPI based on

*conc < 0.2

ppm

0.4
conc. > 0.4 ppm
0.2 < conc. <

l-

hour average concentsation:

A?I = conc. x 1000

ApI = 200 + {[conc. _ 0.2] x 500]
API :300 + {[conc.

15

0.4] x 1000]

0.60

Figure 3 : API subindex function for nihogen dioxide

500
450
400
350

x 300
6

Azso
5

d 200
150
100
50
0
NITROGEN DIOXDE

(l

nour A\/ERAGE), ppm

Equation for the calculation ofAPI based on

l-

hour average concentration:

iconc < 0.17 ppm

API=conc.x588.23529

*0.17<conc.<0.6

API = 100 + {[conc.

0.17] x 232.56]

0.6<conc.<1.2

API = 200 + {[conc.

0.6] x 166.667]

conc. > 1.2 ppm

API=300+ {[conc.

1.2]

16

x250]

Figure 4 : API subindex fimction for sulfur dioxide

5@
450

4m
350

300

82fi

t26
't

50

1m
50
0

0.00 0.10

0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90

SULFUR DIOXIDE (24 - hollls RUNNIIIG AVERAGE)pFtr

Equation for the calculation ofAPI based on 24

hour average concentration:

.conc < 0.04 ppm

API=conc.x2500

*0.04<conc.<0.3

API = 100 + {[conc.

0.3<conc.<0.6

API=200+ {[conc. - 0.3] x333.333]

conc. > 0.6 ppm

API=300+ {[conc. - 0.6] x 500]

l7

0.04] x 384.61]

1.00

Figure 5

API subindex function for PMl0

SI@{IFCANT

RM LEIEI

500

450

4@
350

300
B
z
E 250

tr

200
'150

100

50

o.o0
Equation for the

l(x)
400
200
500
PM lo (2lldr RI-NNING AvERACE). !9ml
calculation ofAPI bascd on 24 - hour average concentration:
100

50pg/m3
50 < conc. < 150
150 < conc. < 350
350<conc.<420
420 < conc. < 500
conc. > 500pg/m3
conc <

API:
API

conc.

:50

+ {[conc.

APt = 100 + {[conc.

50] x 0.5]

150] x 0.5]

API =200+ {[conc -350] x 14286]

API = 300 + {[conc.
API = 400 + [conc.

18

420] x 1.25]

500]

600

Figure 6: Air Pollutant Index Process Flowchart

I
Indivi{nal
Pollutants

t
Individiual

Indei
_!
A

Select l\.[ax.

Indei
_t

Air Pollutant
Indei
V

Figure 7: Examplc of possible API report fi)r {clevision.

I]NHEALTHY

%***

200

7-

'4

o,

O/

tr
7^

luz
API = 150

POLLUTANT: Ozone
TODAY'S HEALTH IMPLICATION:
Mild aggravation of symptoms among high risk persons, i.e. those
with heart or lung disease,