Air Quality Awareness: Monitoring Pollution Index

Air pollution is a serious issue that affects people worldwide. With various sources of pollution, from vehicles to industrial emissions, it is important to stay informed about the air quality in your area. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a widely adopted system that helps communicate air quality to the public. It measures different pollutants and provides a single digestible index. This index is calculated based on the concentration and danger interpretation of individual pollutants. While governments and organisations like Google use AQI to inform the public, individuals can also set up air quality monitors to check their local air pollution index.

Real-time air pollution maps

There are several real-time air pollution maps available online that can help you check the air pollution index. These maps provide data on various air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions. Here are some of the popular maps:

World's Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index

This map is brought to you by the World Air Quality Index Project and provides real-time air quality data for over 10,000 stations in more than 80 countries. The map uses the GAIA air quality monitor, which measures PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution in real-time using laser particle sensors. The GAIA monitor is easy to set up and requires only a WiFi access point and a USB-compatible power supply.

Air Pollution in World: Real-time Air Quality Index Visual Map

This map covers over 100 countries and provides a visual representation of real-time air quality data. It also encourages users to participate by setting up their own air quality stations. The GAIA air quality monitors used for this map are the same as those used by the World's Air Pollution map and are easy to set up.

AirNow Interactive Map

The AirNow Interactive Map provides air quality data for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It includes data from air quality monitors and U.S. embassies and consulates. The map is interactive, allowing users to click on monitors to reveal NowCast AQI and raw concentration data for various pollutants. It also offers features like a time slider to loop through AQI data and the ability to download images and data.

BreezoMeter Air Quality Map

The BreezoMeter Air Quality Map provides live and forecast pollution data. It integrates with Google Maps and offers various features such as customisable maps, street view panoramas, and advanced data and imagery. It also provides travel-related information, such as real-time traffic and route optimisation for multiple destinations.

European Air Quality Index

The European Air Quality Index is a map-based tool that provides up-to-date information on air quality for Europe. It covers individual countries, regions, and cities, with data from over 3,500 monitoring stations. The index is based on concentration values for up to five key pollutants and reflects the potential impact of air quality on health.

Air quality monitoring solutions for businesses

Air quality monitoring is essential for businesses to ensure the health and safety of their employees and the surrounding community. Poor air quality can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment, so it is crucial for businesses to take proactive measures to monitor and improve the air quality in and around their premises. Here are some solutions for businesses to effectively monitor air quality:

Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring Systems

Investing in a premium real-time air quality monitoring system can provide businesses with accurate and reliable data on the air their employees and communities are breathing. These systems can measure various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. Real-time data allows businesses to identify any air quality issues promptly and take necessary corrective actions.

Handheld Air Quality Monitors

For a more flexible and portable option, businesses can opt for handheld air quality monitors. These devices offer the convenience of being able to measure air quality in different areas of a facility or at various job sites. Handheld monitors typically have swappable sensor heads, allowing for a versatile and cost-effective solution.

Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Solutions

Some companies, such as Clarity Movement Co., offer low-cost, flexible, and reliable air quality monitoring solutions. Their Sensing-as-a-Service approach includes equipment, cloud software, data management, and expert project support. This comprehensive package eliminates the need for separate software purchases or unexpected expenses, making it a cost-effective option for businesses.

Air Quality Maps and Plugins

Websites like AirNow.gov, WAQI.info, and AQICN.org provide real-time air pollution maps and plugins that businesses can utilize to stay informed about air quality in their areas. These maps cover a large number of countries and stations worldwide, giving businesses access to local, national, and global air quality data.

Air Quality Sensors

Installing air quality sensors at specific locations is another effective way to monitor air pollution. These sensors can be placed in and around offices, schools, hospitals, and other sensitive areas to provide hyper-local data. Organizations like PurpleAir offer industry-leading sensors that measure particulate pollution (PM2.5), temperature, humidity, and pressure at a fraction of the cost of commercial-grade monitors.

By leveraging these air quality monitoring solutions, businesses can actively contribute to creating healthier and safer environments for their employees, communities, and the planet.

Air quality data and how it's measured

The World Air Quality Index (WAQI) project provides a real-time air pollution map for more than 80 countries, with data from over 10,000 stations worldwide. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is based on the measurement of several air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. These measurements are taken hourly, with an AQI reported at a given time reflecting data from the previous hour.

The GAIA air quality monitor, which features in the WAQI project, uses laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution levels. This monitor is easy to set up, requiring only a WiFi access point and a USB power supply. The data from this monitor is then made available in real-time on WAQI maps.

The WHO Ambient Air Quality Database, maintained by the World Health Organization, also provides air quality data. This database includes ground measurements of annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in urban areas. The database is updated regularly every 2-3 years and serves as a resource for global assessments and public action to reduce health risks caused by air pollution.

Additionally, there are other online tools and plugins available that provide real-time air pollution data and maps for various countries and regions. These tools often provide data for specific cities or regions and may offer additional features such as mobile apps or email alerts.

Air quality indexes and how they're calculated

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the more serious the health concern. For instance, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 indicates hazardous air quality. Each of the six color-coded categories corresponds to a range of index values. The AQI is based on measurements of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. Most of the stations on the map monitor both PM2.5 and PM10 data, but there are a few exceptions where only PM10 is available. All measurements are based on hourly readings.

There are several ways to check the AQI. AirNow.gov provides air quality data for your local area, as well as at the state, national, and world views. The site features an interactive map and provides information on wildfires and smoke advisories. The WAQI.info website features a map showing the real-time air quality for more than 10,000 stations in over 80 countries. The GAIA air quality monitor uses laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution in real time. The AQICN.org website provides a real-time air pollution index for 100+ countries. It also offers a Chrome plugin that allows you to view air pollution levels directly on maps.

The AQI is calculated differently in different countries. For example, Hong Kong's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is measured on a scale of 1 to 10+ and considers four air pollutants: ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter (including PM10 and PM2.5). The AQHI is calculated from the sum of the percentage excess risk of daily hospital admissions attributable to the 3-hour moving average concentrations of these four pollutants. China's Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) is responsible for monitoring the daily pollution levels in 163 of its major cities. The AQI level is based on the level of six atmospheric pollutants: sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulates smaller than 10 μm in diameter, carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and particulate matter (PM10).

The Common Air Quality Index (CAQI) is used in the EU and is defined in both hourly and daily versions, with a "roadside" or "traffic" index and a "background" index. The CAQI is a number on a scale from 0 to 100, with lower values indicating good air quality and higher values indicating extremely poor air quality. As of 2012, the CAQI had two mandatory components for the roadside index (NO2 and PM10) and three mandatory components for the background index (NO2, PM10, and O3). It also included optional pollutants PM2.5, CO, and SO2. A “sub-index” is calculated for each of the mandatory (and optional, if available) components.

Air pollution monitoring devices

There are a variety of air pollution monitoring devices available, ranging from low-cost sensors to more sophisticated equipment. Low-cost air pollution monitors, as the name suggests, are affordable devices that use one or more sensors to detect and report on specific air pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity. These sensors have become more accessible over time, with advancements in technology making them smaller, cheaper, and more widely available. They are an excellent option for those who want basic air quality information.

On the other hand, more advanced air quality monitors are also available, such as the GAIA air quality monitor, which uses laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution in real-time. The GAIA monitor is easy to set up and only requires a WiFi connection and a USB power supply. It provides instant access to real-time air pollution levels through maps and APIs. The Atmocube is another example of a more advanced monitor that delivers real-time environmental data for indoor and outdoor settings. It is equipped with nine default air quality sensors and measures various parameters, including fine particles and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC).

In addition to these options, there are also websites and mobile applications dedicated to providing air quality data, such as AirNow.gov and AirVisual. These platforms aggregate data from various sources and provide local, state, national, and even global air quality information. They offer interactive maps, calculators, and other tools to help users understand the air pollution index in their specific locations.

Frequently asked questions