Air Quality Today: Is It Safe To Breathe?

Air quality is a critical aspect of public health, and various organizations worldwide are committed to monitoring and improving it. The IQAir 2023 World Air Quality Report, for instance, evaluates air quality in 7,812 locations across 134 countries, regions, and territories. It is compiled from data collected by over 40,000 air quality monitoring stations and low-cost sensors operated by diverse entities, including government agencies, research institutions, and citizen scientists. The report measures PM2.5 concentrations, which are among the most harmful air pollutants. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also plays a pivotal role in protecting public health by reducing pollutant emissions and enhancing air quality. EPA provides daily Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts, enabling people to take necessary actions to safeguard their health. While the national average air quality concentrations remain below the current standards, it is important to recognize that air quality can vary annually due to factors like pollution emissions, natural events, and weather variations.

Air quality data sources

Air quality data is crucial for understanding the health and environmental implications of air pollution. There are several sources that provide air quality data, each with its own unique contributions:

Government Agencies

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) plays a pivotal role in monitoring and providing air quality data. The EPA operates over 4,000 monitoring stations that measure ambient (outdoor) concentrations of pollutants. This data is sent to the Air Quality System (AQS) database, which is then accessed by AirData, providing hourly, daily, and annual concentration data, AQI data, and speciated particle pollution data. The EPA also sets national air quality standards for six common pollutants to safeguard public health.

International Organizations

The World Health Organization (WHO) is another key source of air quality data. According to the WHO, outdoor air pollution is a significant contributor to millions of deaths annually, emphasizing its status as a pressing global health risk. NASA, through its Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) Program, offers unrestricted access to a wealth of air quality data. NASA's measurements include global surface fine particulate matter concentrations, nitrogen dioxide levels, and dust scores. Additionally, NASA integrates socioeconomic data with air quality data to provide deeper insights into the impact of air pollution on different populations.

Private Companies

Private companies like Breezometer also contribute to the dissemination of air quality data. They offer tools and insights to help users understand and respond to climate challenges. Google, through its APIs, SDKs, and Google Maps Platform, empowers users to create geospatial experiences and access datasets and tools for business and sustainability insights.

Non-Profit Initiatives

The World Air Quality Index Project is a non-profit initiative that provides real-time air quality data from over 50,000 monitoring stations in 2000 major cities across 132 countries. This data is based on the US EPA Instant-Cast standard and is validated using machine learning processing solutions to ensure accuracy.

Academic Research

Academic institutions, such as the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), also contribute to air quality data through research and studies. Their Global Burden of Disease study provides valuable estimates of the number of deaths attributed to various risk factors, including air pollution.

Real-time air quality readings

The federal government's AirNow.gov website provides an Air Quality Index (AQI) map that shows the current air quality for ozone or particulate matter (PM), whichever is highest. The map includes data for air quality monitors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and provides information at the local, state, national, and world levels. The AirNow map also allows users to view forecast data, loops, and archives, and to select layers and geographic outlines to customize their view.

Another resource is the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) website, which provides real-time air quality readings for Missouri, including St. Louis. During ozone season, from March 1 through October 31, the index reflects ozone forecast conditions and current conditions based on data from Missouri's ambient air quality monitors for ozone and fine particulate matter. The MoDNR website also offers EnviroFlash, a service that sends out customizable bulletins about air quality, including daily forecasts and notifications of action days, which are days forecasted to be orange to maroon on the EPA's Air Quality Index.

In addition to these tools, the Air Quality Index (AQI) National Standards (NAAQS) Monitoring Site provides current air quality data reported in Mountain Standard Time (MST). This site includes technical information and health statements related to air quality. Furthermore, the AirNow Interactive Map offers a more detailed view of air quality data, including the ability to view NowCast AQI data for the last 24 hours, as well as raw concentration data for specific monitors. The interactive map also allows users to select layers, basemaps, and geographic outlines to customize their view and access additional information.

These real-time air quality readings are valuable for individuals who want to stay informed about the air quality in their area and make necessary adjustments to their daily routines or outdoor activities. It is recommended to check these readings frequently as they may change throughout the day due to varying weather conditions and emission levels.

Air quality maps

Websites like AirNow provide interactive maps with air quality data for locations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. AirNow also offers a mobile app and email alerts to keep users informed about the air quality in their local areas and beyond. The AirNow map includes features like the Time Slider, which allows users to loop through NowCast AQI data for the previous 24 hours, and the ability to click on individual monitors to get specific AQI and raw concentration data.

For a global perspective, websites like WAQI.info offer real-time air quality maps with data from over 10,000 stations in more than 80 countries. The GAIA air quality monitor used by WAQI.info measures PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution, considered one of the most harmful air pollutants. Users can access historical air pollution data for specific cities by interacting with the flags on the map. Other websites, like IQAir, also provide live animated air quality maps with AQI and PM2.5 data.

Air quality forecasts

One prominent source for air quality data is AirNow.gov, which offers a user-friendly platform with local, state, national, and global air quality information. The AirNow Interactive Map is a key feature, visually presenting current and forecast air quality data for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Each dot on the map represents a city or reporting area, providing a localized forecast. The map includes data for air quality monitors and offers both a current and a forecast view, with the latter available by 4 pm local time.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a critical component of air quality forecasts. It provides a standardized measurement of various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. The AQI is calculated using hourly readings, with the time range specified for each measurement. For example, an AQI reported at 8 am reflects the pollution levels from 7 am to 8 am.

Another notable resource for air quality forecasts is the World Air Quality Index project, which provides real-time air quality data for over 10,000 stations worldwide, covering more than 80 countries. Their maps offer a comprehensive view of global air pollution, utilizing laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution, which are among the most harmful pollutants. The project also provides tools like the GAIA air quality monitor, which individuals can set up to contribute to the real-time pollution data available on the maps.

These air quality forecasting tools empower individuals, communities, and policymakers with the information needed to address air pollution and its impacts on human health and the environment. By providing accessible and localized data, these platforms enable people to make informed decisions, such as choosing to reduce outdoor activities on days with high pollution levels or advocating for policies that improve air quality.

Air quality index

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool for reporting outdoor air quality and health. 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. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and health concern. An AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while a value over 300 indicates hazardous air quality. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern and is colour-coded to help people quickly determine whether the air quality is reaching unhealthy levels.

There are several online tools that provide real-time air quality data based on the AQI. AirNow.gov, for example, provides air quality information for locations within the United States and at the international level. The website features an interactive map that displays current air quality data for ozone or particulate matter, whichever is highest. It also offers air quality forecasts, fire and smoke maps, and resources for specific groups, such as students, teachers, and health professionals.

WAQI.info is another platform that provides a real-time Air Quality Index for over 10,000 stations in more than 80 countries worldwide. The website features a map that displays air pollution data, primarily monitoring PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution using laser particle sensors. The GAIA air quality monitor, which is easy to set up and comes with mounting equipment and optional solar panels, enables users to instantly view their real-time pollution levels on the WAQI.info maps.

In addition to these global and regional platforms, there are also country-specific websites, such as AQI.in, which is India's leading platform for air quality monitoring. AQI.in provides air quality data, solutions, and tools to effectively combat air pollution. Prana Air, featured on AQI.in, offers air quality monitoring solutions for various indoor spaces, including hospitals, cinemas, retail stores, and residential areas. They also provide pollution monitoring for outdoor locations like construction sites and airports.

Frequently asked questions