How are the Health Index and Performance Index calculated?
The Health Index is based on the limit values set by the German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), the WHO, and what’s known as the Vienna Health Index. The air-Q Health Index is always calculated from the "worst" reading among all measured values at a given point in time. For example, if an elevated particulate matter reading results in a 20% deduction and a high nitrogen dioxide reading results in a 30% health deduction, the Health Index shows 100% - 30% (nitrogen dioxide reading) = 70%.
The Performance Index calculation is based on a different, cumulative method, drawing on current studies from various research institutions that have analyzed the performance impact of specific burdens on indoor air. For example, if a high carbon dioxide level in the air results in a 20% performance deduction and a high temperature results in a 5% deduction, the Performance Index shows 100% - 20% (CO₂ deduction) - 5% (temperature deduction) = 75%.
