Air Pollution: Finding The Invisible Killer

Air pollution is a serious issue that can harm anyone, regardless of age or health status. It is important to stay informed about the air quality in your area to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of air pollution. There are several ways to find out about air pollution levels, including checking websites, mobile apps, and maps that provide real-time air quality data for your specific location. These tools measure various factors, including particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide emissions, to provide you with valuable information about the air you breathe. By staying informed, you can take necessary precautions to safeguard your health and well-being.

Check the Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system that warns the public about dangerous levels of air pollution. It tracks ozone (smog) and particle pollution (from sources like smoke, power plants, factories, and vehicle exhaust), as well as four other widespread air pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO).

The AQI breaks air pollution levels into six categories, with a number, a name, an associated colour, and advice. AQI values at or below 100 are considered safe for almost everyone. Values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, with higher numbers representing increased health risks for more people.

You can check the AQI for your local area and at the state, national, and worldwide levels through various sources. AirNow.gov, for instance, provides air quality data and an interactive map that displays current air quality information. The map shows data for ozone or PM, whichever is highest, and you can click on flags for specific city information. Similarly, WAQI.info offers a real-time air pollution map for over 80 countries and more than 10,000 stations worldwide. It uses laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution, one of the most harmful types of air pollution.

In addition to these websites, you can find daily AQI information for your area from the same sources that provide your weather forecast, such as local radio, TV weather reports, newspapers, weather apps, and maps from the EPA.

Use an air pollution map

Air pollution maps are a great way to visualise air quality data and can help you find out about the air pollution in your local area or across the world. Many air pollution maps use the Air Quality Index (AQI) to indicate the level of air pollution, with each AQI value given a corresponding colour. AQI values at or below 100 are considered satisfactory for almost everyone, while values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality. The higher the number, the more harmful the pollution is to health.

The AQI tracks ozone (O3, or smog) and particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10, tiny particles from smoke, power plants, factories, vehicle exhaust, and other sources), as well as four other widespread air pollutants: Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Ozone (O3).

AirNow.gov is a good source for air quality data, with an interactive map that includes data for air quality monitors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The map defaults to showing your local area first, but you can also view air quality information at the state, national, and world views. The AirNow map uses the NowCast AQI, which shows the current air quality for ozone or PM, whichever is highest. You can click on a monitor to reveal the NowCast AQI and raw concentration data for each pollutant.

Another source for air quality data is WAQI.info, which provides a real-time air pollution map for more than 80 countries and over 10,000 stations worldwide. The GAIA air quality monitor used by WAQI.info measures PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution, which is one of the most harmful air pollutants. You can also find historical air pollution data for specific cities on WAQI.info.

In addition to these maps, you can find information about the daily air quality index for your area from local radio, TV weather reports, newspapers, or the weather app on your phone.

Monitor local radio, TV, and newspapers

Monitoring local radio, TV, and newspapers is a great way to stay informed about air pollution levels in your area. These media outlets often provide regular updates on air quality and can be a valuable resource for those looking to protect their health.

Local radio stations often include air quality information in their weather reports. You can tune in to your local radio station at regular intervals to catch the weather report and listen out for the Air Quality Index (AQI) value. The AQI is a rating system that reflects the concentration of pollutants in the air, with a higher AQI value indicating greater air pollution and associated health risks. For context, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 indicates hazardous air quality.

Similarly, local TV news channels also provide air quality information during their weather segments. You can watch the local news at regular intervals to catch the weather report and look out for the AQI value. Some TV channels may even have dedicated segments or graphics that display the current AQI level and a breakdown of the different pollutants contributing to it.

Newspapers, both in print and online formats, also report on air pollution levels. You can check the weather section or environmental sections of local newspapers to find information about the daily AQI for your area. Additionally, newspapers may publish articles discussing air pollution, its sources, and its impacts on human health and the environment. These articles can provide valuable insights and raise awareness about the issue of air pollution.

By utilising these media sources, you can stay informed about the air quality in your area and take appropriate actions to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of air pollution. It is worth noting that the AQI values are colour-coded, making it easier to identify the level of air pollution and the associated health concerns at a glance. So, whether you're tuning in to the radio, watching the local news, or reading the newspaper, keep an ear out and an eye open for the latest AQI updates to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Check a weather app

Checking a weather app is a great way to find out about air pollution. Many weather apps now include an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading, which provides a quick overview of the air quality in your local area or any area you wish to check.

The Weather Channel, Apple Weather, and AccuWeather apps all include a Current Air Quality section, which displays data from companies such as Plume Labs. Plume Labs provides live and forecast air quality data, with street-by-street pollution maps for major urban areas worldwide. The app offers smart notifications and pollution alerts, as well as activity recommendations to help you stay healthy. It also provides a 72-hour forecast, allowing you to plan ahead and reduce your exposure to air pollution.

Another option is the AirMatters app, which offers AQI readings following the U.S. EPA scale, alongside individual readings for PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, CO, and SO2. The app translates these readings into easily digestible advice, such as whether you need to wear a mask or use an air purifier.

Additionally, the Haze: Air Quality & Weather app allows you to track air quality and provides basic health advice based on the current pollution levels. While the app has a premium version, the free version is still useful and includes non-obtrusive advertisements.

It is important to note that while air quality apps are helpful, they are not always infallible. They may take time to update during natural disasters or be affected by the lack of weather reporting stations in certain areas. Therefore, it is recommended to pair data from an app with tools from local air-monitoring groups and pollution maps for a more comprehensive understanding of air pollution in your area.

Use a personal air quality sensor

Personal air quality sensors are small, portable devices that can be worn by individuals to monitor their exposure to air pollution. These sensors are becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the health and economic impacts of air pollution. While they are not a substitute for regulatory air monitoring, they can provide valuable information about personal exposure to pollutants.

These sensors can detect a range of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10), carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. Some sensors also measure environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure.

When choosing a personal air quality sensor, it is important to consider the type of sensors it uses and their accuracy. Sensors vary in their performance, and not all of them are accurate or durable. Look for sensors that have been tested by third-party sources or check reviews from unaffiliated websites. It is also essential to ensure that the sensor can notify you when pollutant concentrations become harmful. This feature is especially important for sensors that monitor carbon monoxide levels.

Personal air quality sensors can be a useful tool for understanding your exposure to air pollution and taking appropriate actions to improve the air quality around you. For example, if your sensor detects high levels of particulate matter, you can choose to stay indoors or wear a protective mask when outdoors. Additionally, the data collected by these sensors can be used on a larger scale to track the impacts of policies such as low-emission zones.

While personal air quality sensors offer many benefits, it is important to approach them with caution. Some sensors may not undergo rigorous quality control and calibration procedures, and their accuracy can vary. Until there is an agreed-upon standard for sensor accuracy, it is essential to validate the data provided by these devices. Despite these limitations, personal air quality sensors can still provide valuable insights into your personal air quality and help you make healthier choices.

Frequently asked questions