Even if it is possible for those skilled in the art to understand and evaluate the measurements of pollutants that cause atmospheric pollution and directly affect human health, it is not easy for everyone to understand. Therefore, in order to explain the situation of air pollution and air quality, a grouping system which is easily understood by everyone was established. Air Quality Index is a widely used system all over the world. With this classification system, air quality is rated according to good, medium, bad, dangerous and similar expressions according to the density of pollutants in the air. The methods and criteria used in index calculations have been established in many countries of the world in accordance with the countries' own air quality standards.

Particular attention is given to the measurement of particulate matter (PM10) carried out by laboratories within the scope of imitation measurements. The main reason for this is that this pollutant not only affects human health negatively but also has dangerous effects on climate change.

Particulate materials are substances which are composed of a mixture of organic and inorganic substances and are suspended in air in solid, liquid or in both cases. These air pollutant particles have different structures according to their composition, source of formation and size. These substances are defined according to their aerodynamic diameters called particle size. PM10 is a particle that reaches the lungs and upper airways and is defined as a coarse particle with a diameter smaller than 10 microns.

In authorized laboratories, particulate matter (PM10) measurements are carried out according to the TS EN 12341 standard (TS EN 12341 Ambient air - Standard Gravimetric Measurement Method for Determination of PM10 or PM2,5 Mass Concentrations of Suspended Particles).

Sampling time for measurements according to this standard is 24 hours. However, lower concentrations may require longer sampling time, or higher concentrations may require shorter sampling time. In addition, the operation of the sampling devices may be affected by factors such as humidity, wind speed, pressure and temperature.