Have you ever heard about smog maps, or air quality maps? These intuitive solutions will allow you to make better decisions and protect your health. How to read the map and why should you actually do it? Keep reading to learn more!

What is a smog map?

A smog map is a map that can be accessed via a website or a mobile application and shows the air pollution levels in specific regions, areas, cities, or countries. This free solution is extremely transparent and intuitive. It can be used by anyone, regardless of their knowledge or experience in the field of air pollution. All the data is presented in a very understandable way and it’s fully enough to take a look at the colors to evaluate the air quality in your city.

How to use an air pollution map?

As already mentioned, using an air pollution map doesn’t require any specialist knowledge or IT skills. It’s enough to open the smog map and enter the location of your interest into the search box (if you have enabled location settings, the air pollution map will automatically show you the region where you are).

Once you see the map, it’ll be obvious to you whether the air quality in your city is good or bad. You can see the following colors:

• Red
• Orange
• Green

As you may guess, red denotes that the air quality is bad and you should resign from your outdoor activities if possible. Orange means that the air quality is average, so it’s still better to stay at home, however, the situation isn’t dramatic. On the other hand, green informs you that the air quality is great and it’s a perfect day to go for a walk, or open your windows.

However, that’s not the end. If you want to obtain more detailed information on PM10, PM2.5, PM1 particulates or ozone, and nitrogen dioxide, just click on a specific spot. You’ll see a box with these parameters, historical data and air quality forecasts.

Why is air pollution dangerous? The takeaway

Exposure to polluted air can have a tremendous impact on health. It may translate into problems with concentration, asthma, pulmonary and circulatory conditions, strokes, heart attacks, or even cancer and premature death. Therefore, it’s worth using an air pollution map to monitor the concentration of harmful substances in the air and resign from outdoor activities when they aren’t safe.

How to Choose an Air Quality Sensor?

An air quality sensor is a smart solution that makes it possible to monitor the quality of air around us. This is particularly important, as smog and pollutants can seriously damage health. However, to fully benefit from the potential of this tool, you have to select a reliable one. How to choose an air quality sensor? Keep reading to learn more!

What is an air quality sensor?

An air quality sensor is an intuitive, easy-to-install device that makes it possible to track the air quality parameters in the locations where the sensors are placed. These calibrated tools provide information in real time. A computer or a mobile device is everything you need to access the data.

Air quality sensors monitor all essential pollution markers such as particulates PM10, PM2.5, or PM1, as well as O3, NO2, SO2 and CO gasses. Moreover, they provide information about temperature, humidity, winds, and air pressure. Thanks to these devices, it’s possible to obtain reliable data concerning the air you breathe in. A few clicks are enough to make informed decisions and limit your exposure to harmful substances when needed.

How does it work?

An air pollution sensor is able to measure the concentration of particulates in the air thanks to the so-called laser and electro-chemical method. Every sensor is equipped with a special light diode that emits lights of different colors, depending on the air quality. Thanks to it, everyone can easily assess whether the air quality is satisfactory or whether it’s better to stay at home.

What to focus on when choosing an air quality sensor?

To make sure that a purchased air quality sensor serves its purpose and provides reliable information, it’s worth check if it:

• Is easy-to-install and intuitive,
• Is easily accessible – data should be displayed in a special app or on an interactive app,
• Measures air quality in various weather conditions,
• Uses the GSM protocol to transfer data,
• Gathers data about suspended dust and gasses,
• Updates the data on a regular basis,
• Has been tested by third-party laboratories.

The takeaway

An air quality sensor is a useful gadget that can help you make better decisions and take care of your health. If you are looking for a reliable source of information about the air quality around you, invest in a lab-tested sensor such as the one offered by Airly. It tracks all important parameters and metrics to help you limit exposure to smog and other pollutants.