Air Quality
Monitor air quality and pollutant levels for health and safety.
Overview
OSS Weather provides Air Quality Index (AQI) data and individual pollutant levels to help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
What is AQI?
The Air Quality Index is a standardized indicator of air pollution levels:
- 0-50 (Good) 🟢 - Air quality is satisfactory
- 51-100 (Moderate) 🟡 - Acceptable for most people
- 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) 🟠 - Sensitive people should limit outdoor activity
- 151-200 (Unhealthy) 🔴 - Everyone may experience health effects
- 201-300 (Very Unhealthy) 🟣 - Health alert, everyone may be affected
- 301+ (Hazardous) 🟤 - Health warning, emergency conditions
AQI Display
The app shows:
- Overall AQI value
- AQI category with color coding
- Health recommendations
- Trend indicator (improving/worsening)
Pollutants Monitored
Particulate Matter
PM2.5 - Fine particles (2.5 micrometers):
- Most harmful to health
- Can penetrate deep into lungs
- From combustion, wildfires, dust
PM10 - Coarse particles (10 micrometers):
- Affects respiratory system
- From dust, pollen, mold
- Less harmful than PM2.5
Gases
O3 (Ozone):
- Ground-level ozone
- Respiratory irritant
- Higher in summer
- Peak in afternoon
NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide):
- From vehicle emissions
- Industrial processes
- Respiratory effects
- Higher in urban areas
SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide):
- From fossil fuel combustion
- Industrial emissions
- Can trigger asthma
- Acid rain contributor
CO (Carbon Monoxide):
- Colorless, odorless gas
- From vehicle exhaust
- Reduces oxygen delivery
- Can be dangerous indoors
Health Recommendations
Good (0-50)
✅ Safe for everyone
- Ideal for outdoor activities
- No restrictions needed
- Exercise freely
Moderate (51-100)
⚠️ Generally acceptable
- Most people can be outdoors
- Sensitive people may be affected
- Monitor symptoms
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150)
⚠️ Caution for sensitive people
- Reduce prolonged outdoor exertion
- Watch for symptoms
- People with respiratory issues should limit time outside
Unhealthy (151-200)
🚫 Limit outdoor activities
- Everyone should reduce outdoor exertion
- Sensitive groups avoid outdoor activities
- Keep windows closed
Very Unhealthy (201-300)
🚫 Avoid outdoor activities
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Use air purifiers
- Wear masks if must go out
- Sensitive groups stay indoors
Hazardous (301+)
🚨 Emergency conditions
- Remain indoors
- Avoid all outdoor activities
- Use air purifiers
- Follow local emergency guidelines
Who is Sensitive?
Sensitive groups include:
- Children
- Elderly (65+)
- People with asthma
- Heart disease patients
- Pregnant women
- People with lung conditions
Using Air Quality Data
Daily Planning
Check AQI before:
- Outdoor exercise
- Children's outdoor play
- Planning events
- Opening windows
If AQI is high:
- Exercise indoors
- Keep windows closed
- Use air purifiers
- Limit time outside
Exercise Planning
Running/Cycling:
- Check AQI before heading out
- Avoid high-traffic areas on poor air days
- Exercise early morning (often better AQI)
- Reduce intensity on moderate+ days
Outdoor Sports:
- Check AQI for practice/game times
- Have indoor alternatives ready
- Monitor players for symptoms
Health Management
Asthma/Respiratory Conditions:
- Monitor AQI daily
- Keep medication handy on poor days
- Adjust activities based on levels
- Track symptoms vs AQI
General Health:
- Limit exposure on poor days
- Stay hydrated
- Watch for symptoms
- Seek medical attention if needed
AQI Patterns
Daily Patterns
- Morning: Often better (cooler, less traffic)
- Midday: Can worsen (heat, traffic)
- Evening: May improve or worsen
- Night: Often improves
Seasonal Patterns
- Summer: Higher ozone levels
- Winter: Higher PM from heating
- Spring: Pollen contributes
- Fall: Varies by region
Weather Effects
Good for Air Quality:
- Rain (washes pollutants)
- Wind (disperses pollution)
- Low humidity (less ozone)
Bad for Air Quality:
- Stagnant air
- High heat (more ozone)
- Wildfires
- Temperature inversions
Data Sources
Air quality data comes from:
- Weather provider API
- Government monitoring stations
- Real-time sensors
- Satellite data
Availability varies by location and provider.
Limitations
Coverage
- Not available everywhere
- Urban areas have better coverage
- Rural areas may lack data
- Some countries limited data
Accuracy
- Based on monitoring stations
- May not reflect hyperlocal conditions
- Indoor air quality different
- Microclimates vary
Updates
- Data may be 1-2 hours old
- Update frequency varies
- Real-time sensors more current
Improving Indoor Air Quality
When outdoor AQI is poor:
- Close windows and doors
- Use air purifiers (HEPA filters)
- Avoid indoor pollutants (no smoking, limit cooking)
- Maintain HVAC filters
- Use exhaust fans
Monitoring Tips
Check Multiple Times
- AQI changes throughout day
- Check before outdoor activities
- Monitor trends
Compare Sources
- Check multiple weather apps
- Official government sites
- Local monitoring stations