Aranthangi Air Quality Index (AQI) & Air Pollution Today

Tamil Nadu, India — Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5

Aranthangi AQI Right Now

15

Category: Good

Dominant Pollutant: pm10

PM2.5: 9.1 µg/m³

PM10: 14.72 µg/m³

Last updated: 2026-03-24 — Data source: Google Air Quality API (NAQI). Live NAQI values load when you visit the page.

Aranthangi Pollutant Levels

PollutantConcentration
PM2.59.1 µg/m³
PM1014.72 µg/m³
O₃ (Ozone)45.79 µg/m³
NO₂6.09 µg/m³
SO₂0.42 µg/m³
CO148.23 µg/m³

Health Advisory — Aranthangi

Good: Minimal impact on health. Great day to be outdoors!

Health Impact — Aranthangi

Cigarette Equivalent: Breathing this air is equivalent to smoking 0.4 cigarettes per day (based on current PM2.5 levels).

Health Recommendations for Aranthangi

  • General Population: Air quality is satisfactory. Enjoy outdoor activities.
  • Elderly: No special precautions needed.
  • Children: Great day for outdoor play.
  • Lung Disease Patients: No restrictions on outdoor activities.

Understanding Aranthangi Air Quality

Aranthangi occupies a transitional zone between the fertile Cauvery Delta and the drier Chettinad region, experiencing unique air quality challenges. The northeast monsoon from October to December provides most of the annual rainfall, temporarily improving air quality. However, the region receives less rain than the heart of the delta, and the post-monsoon period from December to February brings severe pollution from agricultural burning. Farmers burn stubble from paddy, cotton, and pulse crops, while the semi-arid climate means smoke lingers longer due to limited vegetation to absorb pollutants.

The area's extensive salt pan operations intensify during the dry season from January to May. While traditional salt harvesting methods are relatively clean, wind-blown salt particles and dust from pan beds can contribute to PM10 levels during hot, windy afternoons. The Chettinad heritage in this region means many households still use traditional clay ovens and burn biomass for cooking, particularly during cooler months, contributing to morning and evening PM2.5 peaks.

Summer from March to May is harsh, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C and occasionally reaching 42°C. The combination of extreme heat and aridity creates frequent dust storms that spike particulate pollution. Agricultural fields and salt pans with dried surfaces become major dust sources. The town's location about 40 km inland from the coast means limited sea breeze benefits. Water scarcity during summer restricts dust suppression efforts, making this the second-worst period for air quality after the winter burning season.

Primary Pollution Sources

  • Agricultural burning
  • Salt works
  • Biomass combustion
  • Road dust
  • Traditional industries

Geography: Chettinad region town known for salt pans, situated between the delta and the coast in a semi-arid zone.

Peak pollution months: November, December, January, February

Frequently Asked Questions — Aranthangi

Why does Aranthangi experience poor air quality despite being a small town?

Aranthangi sits in a semi-arid zone where agricultural burning, salt pan dust, and biomass combustion combine with limited vegetation and sparse rainfall. The dry climate means pollutants linger longer in the atmosphere compared to better-watered regions.

What are the best months for air quality in Aranthangi?

June through September during the southwest monsoon offers the best air quality, though rainfall is moderate. October to December during the northeast monsoon also sees good air quality, with pollution increasing sharply after New Year as harvest burning begins.

Air Quality in Nearby Cities