ABOUT
OpenAQ is a global nonprofit organization that aggregates air quality data to empower people to advocate for better air quality in their communities.
LOCATION
Washington, D.C.,
INDUSTRY
Other
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Try it free eastPoor air quality can impact health, safety, and daily operations—but how do you know when air conditions become dangerous?
We sat down with Dr. Colleen Marciel Rosales, Strategic Partnerships Director at OpenAQ, a global nonprofit that aggregates air quality data to empower people to advocate for better air quality in their organizations and communities. In this webinar, we break down the basics of air quality monitoring, what your organization should be tracking, and how to turn air quality monitoring into meaningful action to protect your people.
The Impact of Poor Air Quality
Air pollution is deadly and complex – sometimes visible, sometimes invisible.
We know that pollution is bad for the environment, but the potential impact on the human body is pretty grim. Breathing poor quality air can contribute to a number of symptoms such as: headaches; asthma; lung, eye and nose irritation and inflammation; lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; lung cancer; behavioral and mental disorders like anxiety and brain fog; and more.
In fact, air pollution is the second most deadly health risk worldwide, second to high blood pressure, and reduces the average life span by 1.9 years globally.
Given the gravity of the impacts of poor air quality, and in response to growing concerns and feedback from customers, Perry Weather offers professional weather stations including air quality sensors to help organizations like yours.
Listen to the full webinar recording for actionable steps and resources available to your organization regarding monitoring and responding to air quality data.
Air Quality FAQs
Explore top questions asked during the webinar.
What is Air Quality Index (AQI)?
AQI is a unitless metric to measure air quality, comprised of many pollutants, including some of the most popular pollutants, PM2.5, PM10 and ozone.
Instead of looking at individual pollutant concentrations, the scale is designed to help you determine a “roll up” of all air pollutants in one metric.
What pollutants should I be tracking?
The short answer is: All of them!
The long answer is: It depends on what’s important to your organization.
At the end of the day, all air pollutants are harmful, and it’s best to modify activities or stay indoors when air quality is bad, and limit exposure.
In fact, one of the biggest mistakes people make when monitoring air quality is only paying attention to a single pollutant.
What’s the difference between PM2.5, PM10 and ozone?
PM stands for particulate matter, which are microscopic particles or droplets in the air. The number refers to size, for example, PM2.5 means 2.5 micrometers. They’re so tiny they can bypass the body’s defenses, penetrate deep into the lungs, and enter the bloodstream.
PM2.5 comes from sources like wildfire smoke, vehicle emissions, industrial pollution and power plants.
PM10 particles are larger but still small enough to be inhaled. PM10 comes from sources like dust from construction sites, pollen from trees and grass, agricultural dust and road traffic.
Ozone (O₃) is a gas, not a particle, and while it protects us from harmful UV radiation high in the atmosphere, it becomes a serious respiratory hazard at ground level. It forms when car exhaust, power plant emissions, and industrial pollutants react with sunlight.
All of these pollutants are potentially dangerous, especially with continued exposure. Read the blog post to learn more.
Why is air quality data so difficult to decipher?
Air quality data can often cause more confusion than clarity. When interpreting air quality data, you should consider:
- Where is the sensor located? It’s best to use a sensor as close as possible to where outdoor activities will occur, but not right next to a significant source of pollution.
- How often is the sensor cleaned and maintained? It’s best to have your own on-site sensor so you know it’s well maintained.
- During what time frame is the data collected? Different apps and data sources all utilize different time frames: 12 hour average, 24-hour average, future forecast, last 45 minutes, etc. Knowing that air quality can literally change with the wind, it’s best to use a consistent data set.
- What pollutant is being tracked? Many apps and data sources will show data for only one pollutant, like PM2.5. But all pollutants are harmful, and this transparency is really important when choosing a data source and comparing data sources.
Learn more about Perry Weather air quality sensors. You can also request a demo.
