Air Quality Index (AQI) in Popondetta, Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬

Air quality in Popondetta is currently 52 on the US AQI scale, rated Good.

29°C

Sunny

The current Air Quality Index (AQI) in Popondetta is recorded at 52 as of 4 o'clock in the afternoon local time this Monday, June 15, 2026. This real-time AQI score is based on the highest-risk pollutant measured by local monitoring stations. According to the US EPA health standard, air quality in Popondetta currently falls into the Good category. With a fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration of 9.9 µg/m³, the air pollution levels are considered minimal. This AQI rating indicates that the air is fresh and healthy for the general public, including children and those with respiratory sensitivities. For the AQI across entire Papua New Guinea, you can also view the Air Quality Index for Papua New Guinea covering other major urban centers and local monitoring stations.

Health Recommendations for Popondetta Residents

✅

Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. It is a great day for outdoor activities in Popondetta.

Popondetta Air Pollution: Detailed Pollutant Breakdown

🌿

Good news — Popondetta's air today is cleaner than a single cigarette (about 0.5).

Based on the Berkeley Earth estimate that ~22 µg/m³ of PM2.5 over a day is about one cigarette. Today's PM2.5 in Popondetta is 9.9 µg/m³.

PM 2.5

9.9

µg/m³

PM 10

13.8

µg/m³

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

0.3

µg/m³

Ozone (O3)

64.0

µg/m³

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

87.0

µg/m³

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

0.3

µg/m³

Current Weather in Popondetta

🌡️ 29°C (Feels like 29°)

🌬️ 11 km/h NE

💧 43% Humidity

🧭 1010 hPa

👁️ 10.0 km Visibility

☀️ UV Index: 4.2

🌅 Sunrise: 06:19 AM

🌇 Sunset: 05:56 PM

🌡️ Dew Point: 16°C

Popondetta's Main Air Pollutant Today

The main concern in Popondetta right now is PM2.5 at 9.9 µg/m³, about 0.7x the WHO 24-hour guideline.

Air Quality Health Advice for Popondetta

General public	Air quality is good. It is a great day to be active outside.
Sensitive groups	Air quality is good. Sensitive groups can enjoy normal outdoor activity.

Air Quality in Other Cities in Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby Lae Arawa Mount Hagen Madang Kokopo Kimbe Goroka Wewak Bulolo Daru Kavieng

Browse Air Quality in Papua New Guinea by cities in alphabetical order:

A B D G K L M P W

Air Quality in Papua New Guinea ›

Frequently Asked Questions about Air Quality in Popondetta

What is the air quality (AQI) in Popondetta right now?

The current air quality index in Popondetta is 52 — categorised as Good.

Is the air in Popondetta safe to breathe today?

Today's air quality in Popondetta is rated Good on the US EPA scale.

What is the PM2.5 level in Popondetta right now?

The fine-particle (PM2.5) concentration in Popondetta is currently 9.9 µg/m³. PM2.5 is the most health-relevant pollutant — the WHO 24-hour guideline is 15 µg/m³.

What is the PM10 level in Popondetta right now?

The coarse-particle (PM10) concentration in Popondetta is currently 13.8 µg/m³.

What is the main pollutant in Popondetta right now?

The dominant pollutant in Popondetta right now is Carbon Monoxide (CO) at 87.0 µg/m³.

Is it safe to exercise outdoors in Popondetta today?

With air quality currently rated Good, outdoor exercise in Popondetta is generally considered safe for most people.

How to Read the Air Quality Index for Popondetta

Good (0-50)

Air is fresh and healthy. Safe for all outdoor activities.

Moderate (51-100)

Acceptable air quality, though sensitive groups should monitor comfort.

Unhealthy (Sensitive) (101-150)

Vulnerable groups (children, elderly) should limit outdoor exertion.

Unhealthy (151-200)

Everyone begins to experience health effects. Stay indoors where possible.

Very Unhealthy (201-300)

Significant health impact for entire population. Emergency conditions.

Hazardous (301+)

Serious health alert: everyone may experience serious life-threatening effects.

Good (0-12)

Fine particles are at minimal, safe levels. Air is optimal.

Moderate (12-35)

Acceptable air, but haze may be present in urban areas.

Sensitive (35-55)

Individuals with heart or lung disease should limit activity.

Unhealthy (55-150)

Particulate levels high enough to cause respiratory irritation.

Very Unhealthy (150-250)

Heavy haze. High risk to cardiovascular health for the public.

Hazardous (250+)

Lethal particulate concentrations. Critical neurological and lung risk.

Good (0-54)

Low levels of dust and coarse particles. Environment is safe.

Moderate (55-154)

Coarse particles may trigger coughing in sensitive groups.

Sensitive (155-254)

Visible dust pollution. Sensitive groups should avoid heavy labor.

Unhealthy (255-354)

Widespread respiratory impacts likely for the population.

Very Unhealthy (355-424)

Dangerous dust and debris levels. Significant warnings issued.

Hazardous (425+)

Extremely high concentrations. Stay inside with filtration.

Good (0-54)

Surface ozone levels are within a safe, natural range.

Moderate (55-70)

Acceptable air, but sensitive individuals may feel chest tightness.

Sensitive (71-85)

Rising ozone can trigger airway inflammation in active children.

Unhealthy (86-105)

Avoid heavy outdoor work during the hottest part of the day.

Very Unhealthy (106-200)

Serious lung function reduction likely across the public.

Hazardous (201+)

Emergency ozone levels. Risk of permanent lung tissue damage.

Good (0-53)

Nitrogen levels are optimal. Safe for everyone.

Moderate (54-100)

Typical background levels for high-density urban areas.

Sensitive (101-360)

Increased risk of respiratory infections for vulnerable groups.

Unhealthy (361-649)

Significant airway inflammation likely near traffic zones.

Very Unhealthy (650-1249)

Acute respiratory distress potential. High-risk groups stay indoors.

Hazardous (1250+)

Toxic concentrations. Immediate health precautions required.

Good (0-4.4)

Carbon Monoxide levels are clean and non-toxic.

Moderate (4.5-9.4)

Acceptable; may affect those with specific heart conditions.

Sensitive (9.5-12.4)

Reduced oxygen delivery to the heart may occur.

Unhealthy (12.5-15.4)

Headaches and fatigue may occur in urban canyons.

Very Unhealthy (15.5-30.4)

Significant cardiovascular distress. Mental confusion possible.

Hazardous (30.5+)

Lethal potential. Immediate risk of neurological collapse.

Good (0-35)

Optimal air quality with no sulfur detection.

Moderate (36-75)

Acceptable air; minor odors possible near industry.

Sensitive (76-185)

Bronchoconstriction possible for active asthmatics.

Unhealthy (186-304)

Respiratory distress likely for the wider population.

Very Unhealthy (305-604)

Significant wheezing and shortness of breath likely.

Hazardous (605+)

Extreme respiratory danger. Significant life risk.

Health & Scientific Resources

→ How to read US EPA Air Quality Index before going outside → Understanding Air Quality Index levels and what they mean → When haze forms and what it does to air quality

How is this AQI calculated?

The primary Air Quality Index (AQI) shown above is calculated using the US EPA Linear Interpolation formula based on PM2.5 concentration (Fine Particulate Matter).

Formula: Ip = [(Ihi - Ilow) / (Chi - Clow)] * (Cp - Clow) + Ilow

Current PM2.5: 9.9 µg/m³
Calculation: Your city falls into the "Good" category (Category 1).

Note: While several pollutants (O3, NO2, SO2) are monitored, PM2.5 is used as the primary "driver" for the main index value as it typically represents the highest health risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of air pollution in Popondetta?

Pollution in Popondetta is primarily driven by 10.8 km/h NE winds, local traffic emissions, and industrial activity, which influence the current PM2.5 concentration of 9.9 µg/m³.

Is the AQI in Popondetta safe today?

Today's AQI is 52, which is categorized as Good. This means the air quality is good for the general population.