Air pollution warnings were issued in many parts of the country on Thursday as wildfire smoke from Canada continued to drift across the United States, creating unhealthy air quality.
While heeding these warnings is important to staying safe, monitoring air quality levels can also help you determine when it’s safe to go out. (Air quality levels can vary throughout the day depending on the time of day and the amount of smoke in the area.)
These apps help you track your air quality levels.
AirNow Mobile App
of AirNow Mobile Appis available for iPhone and Android smartphones and was created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees air quality across the United States.
The app allows users to enter a zip code or city to get up-to-date information on air quality levels. The app also has fire and smoke maps so users can see where the thickest layers of smoke are drifting.
IQAir Air Visual | Air Quality App
of IQAir Air Visual | Air Quality Appis also available for iPhone or Android users and provides up-to-date air quality levels and useful information about poor air quality in a specific area.
IQAir has a real-time ranking of the cities with the worst air pollution levels. Air quality levels in New York City hit some of the worst levels in the world this week.
The IQAir app also shares health recommendations. For example, if air quality reaches unhealthy levels, IQAir recommends wearing a mask outdoors, using an air purifier at home, closing windows, and avoiding outdoor exercise.
plume lab
For more information, plume lab app Share comprehensive maps with pollution hotspots. The app also has hourly air quality forecasts, as levels often change throughout the day.
Available for iPhone and Android smartphones, the app can also send alerts when air quality levels deteriorate.
air care
of air care The app shares air quality information with helpful guidance. If the air quality is healthy, the app will say “You can breathe freely”.
The app includes a tracker to monitor allergens like wood, grass, and ragweed pollen. The app also tracks the UV index and provides recommendations such as ‘Avoid the sun around noon, seek shade and use sunscreen’ when the UV dose from the sun is high.
Other useful places to find information about air quality
Several weather apps, such as those made by Apple, The Weather Channel, and AccuWeather, all offer air quality levels in addition to forecasts.
of National Weather Service It also provides more information about air quality online, along with resources on air quality safety.
