Air Quality Alert: Pollution Status Update

Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health and well-being of people worldwide. With the availability of real-time air quality data, individuals can now monitor the air pollution levels in their respective areas. Websites like AirNow, WAQI.info, and IQAir offer visual maps and tools that provide up-to-date information on air pollution for various countries and cities. These resources allow users to track specific pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide emissions. By understanding the current air quality, individuals can take necessary precautions to protect their health, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or living in areas with high pollution levels, such as New York City and Minnesota, which have faced air quality concerns.

Air quality maps

One such map is provided by AirNow.gov, which offers a one-stop source for air quality data. The AirNow map displays the current air quality, or NowCast AQI, for ozone or particulate matter (PM), whichever is highest. The map can be customised with various options, including monitor loops, forecast maps, and geographic outlines. Users can also select specific monitors to view NowCast AQI and raw concentration data. Additionally, AirNow provides a mobile app, email updates, and web cameras for comprehensive access to air quality information.

Another example is the World's Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index map, which provides global coverage. This map utilises flags to represent specific cities, and users can click on these flags to access historical data for that location. The Air Quality Index is based on measurements of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions. The map uses the latest US EPA standard and the Instant Cast reporting formula to ensure accuracy.

IQAir also offers a Live Animated Air Quality Map, which includes data from major cities worldwide.

These maps are valuable tools for individuals seeking to understand the air quality in their surroundings and make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to communicate about outdoor air quality and health. The AQI is calculated by measuring the levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions in the air. These measurements are taken hourly, with each data point representing the readings from the previous hour.

The AQI is divided into six color-coded categories, each representing a different level of health concern. An AQI value of 50 or below is considered good air quality, while a value over 300 is hazardous. Values above 100 indicate that the air quality is unhealthy, initially for sensitive groups of people and then for everyone as the AQI value increases. For example, during a three-week period in March and April 2020, New York City experienced a 25% reduction in fine particle pollution (PM2.5) compared to the same period in 2019, with 100% of hours in the "good" AQI category.

There are various online tools available to check the current AQI for a specific location, such as AirNow.gov, which provides air quality data for local, state, national, and world views. The website includes an interactive map that displays the current AQI for ozone or PM, whichever is highest, as well as historical data and forecasts. Similarly, WAQI.info provides a real-time air quality map with data from over 10,000 stations worldwide, allowing users to click on specific locations to access historical data.

The AQI is an important tool for individuals to protect their health by taking appropriate actions during periods of poor air quality. It also helps raise awareness about the impact of pollution and encourages the adoption of cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles, to improve air quality in the future.

Ozone pollution

Ozone (O3) is a gas molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. While the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere shields us from the sun's ultraviolet radiation, ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant. This is because it chemically reacts with and damages lung tissue.

Ground-level ozone is formed when oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) react in the presence of sunlight. NOx is produced when fossil fuels like gasoline, oil, or coal are burned in power plants, motor vehicles, furnaces, and other sources of high-heat combustion. VOCs, meanwhile, are released by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources.

Ozone is the main ingredient in smog and is most likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban areas. However, it can still reach high levels in the colder months and can be carried by wind to rural areas.

Ozone exposure has been shown to cause serious health problems, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions like lung diseases (e.g. asthma) and metabolic disorders (e.g. obesity). Studies have also suggested that women may be at a higher respiratory health risk from ozone. Exposure to ozone can also cause premature death, with the risk increasing as ozone levels rise.

To check current ozone levels, you can visit websites like www.airnow.gov and www.waqi.info, which provide real-time air quality data.

PM2.5 levels

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that has a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These fine particles are usually found in smoke and are a common air pollutant. They are a mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air.

PM2.5 is used to describe pollutant levels both outdoors and indoors. Most studies indicate that PM2.5 levels at or below 12 μg/m3 are considered healthy, with little to no risk from exposure. However, if the level goes to or above 35 μg/m3 during a 24-hour period, the air is considered unhealthy and can cause issues for people with existing breathing problems such as asthma. Prolonged exposure to levels above 50 μg/m3 can lead to serious health issues and even premature mortality. People with heart or lung conditions may experience symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing when PM2.5 levels are high.

The GAIA air quality monitor uses laser particle sensors to measure real-time PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution, which is one of the most harmful air pollutants. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is based on the measurement of PM2.5 and PM10, as well as other pollutants such as ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. The AQI scale used for indexing real-time pollution is based on the latest US EPA standard, and each hour, the highest AQI among these pollutants is displayed for each monitor and contour.

To manage PM2.5 levels indoors, the recommended PM2.5 level is 12 μg/m3 or less, with no spikes above 35 μg/m3. This can be achieved using HEPA-grade filters in the air management system and/or air purifiers. In areas with high outdoor pollution, it is recommended to keep windows closed and use HEPA filtration to bring fresh air inside.

Health impacts

Air pollution is the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere, such as dust, fumes, gases, mist, odours, smoke, and vapours, in quantities that can be harmful to human health. The main pathway of exposure is through the respiratory tract, but some pollutants are so fine that they can enter the bloodstream and be transported around the body.

The health impacts of air pollution are wide-ranging and affect people differently depending on their age, genetics, comorbidities, nutrition, and sociodemographic factors. Research has shown that air pollution is a risk factor for all-cause mortality, with an estimated average reduction of lifespan by 1.8 years. In 2021, 709,000 deaths in children under five were linked to air pollution, accounting for 15% of all global deaths in this age group.

Short-term exposure to air pollution can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma. Ozone (O3), a powerful lung irritant, is a significant contributor to these respiratory issues. Other short-term health impacts include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and high rates of hospitalization.

Long-term or chronic exposure to air pollution increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a critical pollutant in this regard, causing systemic damage to tissues and cells. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified air pollution as a leading cause of cancer, particularly lung cancer.

Additionally, air pollution has been linked to reproductive and neurological development issues, as well as mental health disorders. There is also growing evidence of a connection between air pollution and diabetes.

It is important to note that certain populations are more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk. Socioeconomic factors also play a role, with people in poorer regions and communities of colour suffering a higher burden of air pollution-related health issues due to discriminatory practices and proximity to industrial sources of pollution.

Frequently asked questions