First Look – EPA AirNow Mobile App

Click to enlarge.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has updated the AirNow mobile app to allow optional so-called push notifications of the local Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts for the next day. Exposure to ground-level ozone can cause respiratory issues, aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, and may lead to missed days of work or school, emergency room visits, and premature deaths. These costly public health impacts can be especially harmful to children and older adults, disproportionately affecting people of color, families with low-incomes, and other vulnerable populations. (AutoInformed:EPA Reviewing Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards)

“State and local air agencies issue AQI forecasts as a public service to help people plan their outdoor activities. The agencies provide them to EPA, which shares them on the AirNow app and Airnow.gov website. Until now, AirNow users had to remember to check the app or website to see their forecasts; with the updates to the AirNow mobile app, people can opt to be notified when the daily forecast reaches an AQI category of their choosing,” EPA said.

AQI forecasts predict overall air quality for the next day for ground-level ozone and/or particle pollution. Ozone forecasts are based on the 8-hour period with the highest ozone levels; for particle pollution, they predict an average of the next 24 hours. Some agencies provide a forecast for several days at a time.

“The forecasts can be useful planning tools – especially for people who are at risk from ozone or particle pollution. For example, if the next day’s ozone forecast is unhealthy for everyone (Code Red) someone without much flexibility in their schedule may decide to move their outdoor activity indoors for that day. But because air quality can change throughout the day, people with more schedule flexibility can use the forecast as a reminder to check current air quality before heading out for a walk, a run, or even doing strenuous work in the garden,” EPA said.

Setting up push notifications in the updated app is easy. First, make sure you’ve turned on notifications for the AirNow app in your smartphone settings. Then, open the app and tap the menu icon on the upper left of the screen. Select “Notifications” from the list. From there, you can choose to receive forecast notifications for up to 10 locations.

Learn more about receiving AQI forecast push notifications in the AirNow app

Download the app at these links:

• Apple App Store
• Google Play Store

Don’t have a so-called smartphone? Check your AQI forecast and current air quality at the AirNow.gov website