The Kaiterra Data Platform uses a consistent set of industry-standard thresholds and color coding to help you understand your air quality and comfort data at a glance. This article explains what the colors mean and how to interpret your measurements.
Air Quality Thresholds
We use a simple, universal three-color system for all pollutants:
🟢 Green (Excellent): Within standard healthy targets.
🟡 Yellow (Elevated): Above optimal range. Monitor and consider improvements.
🔴 Red (Needs Attention): Exceeds recommended thresholds. Action is required.
Pollutant Thresholds
| Pollutant | 🟢 Excellent | 🟡 Elevated | 🔴 Needs Attention |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 | < 15 µg/m³ | 15–35 µg/m³ | ≥ 35 µg/m³ |
| TVOC | < 500 µg/m³ | 500–1000 µg/m³ | ≥ 1000 µg/m³ |
| CO₂ | < 900 ppm | 900–1200 ppm | ≥ 1200 ppm |
| CO | < 9 ppm | 9–35 ppm | ≥ 35 ppm |
| NO₂ | < 40 µg/m³ | 40–100 µg/m³ | ≥ 100 µg/m³ |
| O₃ | < 51 ppb | 51–120 ppb | ≥ 120 ppb |
Thermal Comfort Thresholds
Temperature and humidity use a bidirectional system to show when conditions are too low or too high:
🔵 Blue: Too cool or too humid.
🟢 Green: Comfortable.
🔴 Red: Too warm or too dry.
Comfort Thresholds
| Metric | 🔵 Too Cool / Too Humid | 🟢 Comfortable | 🔴 Too Warm / Too Dry |
| Temperature | < 20°C | 20–26°C | ≥ 26°C |
| Humidity | ≥ 60% | 30–60% | < 30% |
Environmental & Ambient Sensors
Light-related measurements use descriptive colors rather than universal color thresholds. This is because lighting comfort depends on the context of the space and how it was designed for use.
Illuminance (Lux)
⚫ <51 lx: Dark.
🟤 51–200 lx: Dim.
🟡 201–600 lx: Good.
🟠 > 600 lx: Very Bright.
Correlated Color Temperature (CCT)
🟤 < 2000K: Warm & Relaxing.
⚪ 2000–5500K: White & Vibrant.
🔵 ≥ 5500K: Blue & Energizing.
Where Thresholds Apply
The same thresholds and colors are used across all features of the Kaiterra Data Platform. Whether you are viewing charts, tables, floorplans, maps, or kiosks, the information is presented consistently. This consistency makes it easier to recognize trends and act on your data, no matter which view you are working with.
WELL Building Standard Alignment
Kaiterra’s green thresholds are aligned with the WELL Building Standard. When a metric is green, it is within WELL targets.
For example, take our 'Time within Targets' report: if CO₂ within a space is green 90% of the time, it meets WELL compliance requirements of 90%.
Quick Reference:
🟢 Green = WELL targets achieved.
🟡 Yellow = Monitor and improve.
🔴 Red = Take action now.
Overall Index
Kaiterra created the Overall Index to provide an at-a-glance, holistic view of your air, while simultaneously letting you know which air pollutant to tackle first. Utilizing the same methodology and breakpoints as the EPA's AQI standard, an index is calculated for each individual pollutant, and the highest index is displayed as the Overall Index.
When looking at the Overall Index, your air quality is good if it is below 50, with some variation between pollutant concentrations. If your Overall Index value is high, then taking a look at the primary pollutant and the individual pollutant concentrations will inform you which pollutant you should focus on.
Converting Pollutant Concentration to Overall Index
The index conversion algorithm is a piecewise linear function of the pollutant concentration. At the boundary between AQI categories, such as the boundary between Good and Moderate AQI values, there is a discontinuous jump of one AQI unit.
To convert from concentration to AQI, this equation is used:
To illustrate how this conversion works, suppose a monitor records a fine particle (PM2.5) concentration of 12.0 µg/m³. Applying the equation above, this PM2.5 concentration converts:
When multiple air pollutants are measured, the highest resulting index value is displayed, and the monitor will indicate the primary pollutants on the "My Air" view.
FAQ
Do thresholds apply everywhere in the Data Platform?
Yes. The same 3-color system is used across all views and features.
What if I use different units (e.g. Fahrenheit for Temperature, ppb for CO₂, or mg/m³ for PM2.5)?
Thresholds are automatically converted to match your chosen units.
If you have any questions regarding how to view, interpret, or convert your air quality readings, please reach out by submitting or a support ticket or emailing us at info@kaiterra.com.