The AirCare app provides a comprehensive view of air pollution, active fires, wind conditions, and pollen levels on a visually appealing map. In recent years, North America and Europe have seen improvements in air quality due to stricter environmental regulations. However, the rise of extreme weather events and unprecedented wildfires has brought new concerns about air pollution. For instance, smoke from wildfires in Quebec and Ontario recently drifted to the Northeast U.S., resulting in an orange haze and unhealthy air quality levels in New York City and surrounding areas. In response to such events, more people are turning to mobile apps for real-time updates on air quality wherever they are.
The Airnow mobile app has become increasingly popular and is currently ranked as the sixth most downloaded free app on the App Store for iPhone. Its usage and new installs are often driven by regional events, such as wildfires. Air quality tracking apps typically combine data from various sources, including government-operated satellites, weather reports, fire stations, and ambient air quality stations. Some apps also utilize data from private sector entities and affordable air quality sensors provided by companies like PurpleAir and IQAir.
AirNow, a mobile app created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, allows users to search for air quality levels by ZIP code. It uses a color-coded visual system to indicate air pollution levels, ranging from good to hazardous. The app also provides Fire and SmokeMaps, which offer information on fire locations, smoke plumes, and air quality across the country. Additionally, AirNow has interactive online maps that display ozone and particulate matter data collected from air quality monitors nationwide.
AirCare, developed by professionals in northern Macedonia, is available on multiple mobile devices and platforms. It offers kid-friendly air pollution information, charts, and maps that present pollutant levels from government sensors, private sector sensors, and volunteers’ sensors across different regions. In certain metro areas, the app also tracks ultraviolet and pollen levels. AirVisual, crafted by Swiss air quality company IQAir, monitors air pollution in thousands of cities and countries using data from a vast network of sensors. Its apps provide real-time maps, forecasts, news, and health information related to air pollution.
Yanelli Nunez, an environmental health scientist, highlights the importance of air quality monitoring for public health. Studies have shown that air pollution contributes to various health issues, including lung cancer, respiratory infections, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, long-term exposure to air pollution may impact cognitive capabilities and the nervous system. Nunez emphasizes that communities most affected by poor air quality are often people of color or individuals from low-income backgrounds. Efforts are being made to address these disparities and improve air pollution conditions.
While outdoor air quality is a significant concern, Richard Corsi, an expert in engineering, believes that indoor air quality is often overlooked. The average person spends a significant portion of their life indoors, making indoor air quality crucial. Pollutants from outdoor sources can enter buildings through various means, such as open doors or cracks in the building envelope. Consumer apps and devices may not provide precise measurements of pollutants but can help identify trends and relative changes in air quality. Indoor sensors can also be useful in assessing the effectiveness of measures taken to improve air quality. During wildfire season, simple actions like wet-mopping floors, using high-efficiency air filters, and improving the filtration systems can help protect and enhance indoor air quality.
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