The air quality index provides readings about air pollution on any given day. Air pollution levels vary from day-to-day with different factors playing a role. Air pollution may be higher or lower depending upon the time of the day as well.
The Number System
Air quality is ranked on a number scale with 1 being the highest quality air and 10 being the worst quality air. These numbers are then put into four bands of risk. Low risk is for days ranked between 1-3 on the number scale. Moderate risk presents at numbers 4-6. High risk is at 7-9. 10 is very high risk. Some people have health conditions, such as asthma, that can be triggered by air pollution. Knowing the daily air quality index is good for everyone as the accumulative impact of air pollution damages the heart and lungs in the long term. Also once it hits high, there are symptoms everyone needs to look out for.
Airly.org sensors can monitor air quality in real time, both outside and inside. Due to the changeable nature of air pollution, the day needs to be mapped out to avoid it, particularly in at risk populations. Real time notifications alert sooner than the daily report, which, like the weather is a forecast.
Shifting through the Day
Weather has the biggest impact on the daily air quality index. A windy day is going to blow the pollution elsewhere. If the wind stops, the pollution stops. Cars from the evening rush hour are going to push the air pollution up again.
Valleys
Pollution can become trapped in low-lying areas. In cities surrounded by hills, the general air pollution created in a day won’t have anywhere to go under certain conditions. Cold air becomes trapped over a valley by warm air and keeps the pollution with it.
Vulnerable Populations
At the low level of the banding scale of the air quality index, or 1-3 in numbers, everyone can go about their day with no extra precautions. At moderate levels, or 4-6, people with lung and heart problems are advised to reduce strenuous activity, especially outside. At the high level, or 7-9, everyone may experience sore eyes, cough or sore throat. These people are advised to reduce physical activity. People with lung and heart problems and the elderly need to reduce physical activities. People with asthma will need their reliever inhaler more frequently. At the very high level, or number 10, everyone needs to reduce their physical activities. People with lung and heart problems and the elderly need to avoid physical activity.
Air pollution affects day-to-day life as much as building up over time to cause long term problems. Knowing what the pollution levels are for any given day makes it easier to plan how to go about that day. Air pollution levels peak at certain times with extra traffic and under certain weather conditions. A real time notification can help people plan their days and know when to seek shelter or their inhaler.
