Memorandum
- From
- Delaney Sawyer via Fast Company
- Date
- Filed
- Culture·3 min to read
- Re
Air quality apps help track wildfire smoke and pollution
ReAir quality apps help track wildfire smoke and pollution
As wildfire season intensifies, free apps like AirNow and AirVisual provide real-time air quality data, combining government measurements with citizen sensors to help people protect their health.
With wildfire season affecting large parts of the country, knowing the quality of the air you are breathing has become a practical necessity. A combination of free mobile apps now offers detailed, real-time information that goes far beyond the basic forecasts found in standard weather services.
The Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow app serves as the official starting point for residents in the United States. It provides government-measured air quality data, including broad reports for your area, historical information, and future forecasting. The app is available for Android and iOS, and the same information can be accessed on the web from any device. It is designed to give users a big-picture view of conditions and how much they may need to adjust outdoor exposure.
For those outside the U.S., comparable tools exist. The European Air Quality Index offers similar functionality for cities across Europe, available both on the web and in app form. Canada's WeatherCAN app provides general forecast information along with air quality alerts, while Australia's AirRater includes tools specifically for tracking air quality.
While AirNow covers the broad view, a second app called AirVisual by IQAir provides a more localized assessment. AirVisual combines official government measurements with data from a sprawling global network of hyperlocal sensors set up by private citizens. These sensors, which people purchase and install outdoors, report constant readings that AirVisual incorporates into its formula for calculating an air quality score for your exact neighborhood. This often results in a more meaningful assessment than the broad regional view alone.
The AirVisual app includes a widget that makes it easy to check current conditions at a glance. Users can set up once-daily alerts or customize notifications to trigger when quality levels drop below a certain concerning threshold. The app allows you to control exactly what sorts of alerts you receive. For those who want to go further, AirVisual offers the option to purchase a personal sensor for a reading right outside your home, though the existing network of sensors is typically sufficient for a meaningful measure.
Both apps are completely free to use. AirNow does not require any unusual permissions or accounts, and the app states it does not collect or share personal data. AirVisual requires an account only if you want to add your own sensor or use customized alerts, and it also states it does not collect or share user information.
Air quality can fluctuate based on factors that have nothing to do with fires, such as pollen and other common allergen levels. It also travels, meaning conditions can vary wildly based on what is happening both near and surprisingly far from your location. Using AirNow or a regional equivalent alongside AirVisual creates a powerful combination for staying informed about the air around you, wherever you live.
