As wildfire smoke from Canada continued to drift across the United States, causing unhealthy air quality, many places across the country were under air quality alerts Thursday.
It’s important to heed those warnings to stay safe, but monitoring air quality levels can also help you decide when it’s safe to go outside. (Air quality levels can change throughout the day, depending on the time of day and how much smog is in an area.)
These apps can help you track air quality levels.
AirNow Mobile App
AirNow Mobile AppAvailable on iPhones and Android phones, was created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which monitors air quality across the country.
The app allows users to enter their zip code or city to receive the most up-to-date information on air quality levels. The app also features a fire and smoke map that allows users to see where the thickest layer of smoke has moved.
IQAir AirVisual | air quality app
IQAir AirVisual | air quality appWhich is also available for iPhone or Android users, provides the latest air quality levels, as well as useful context on how bad the air quality is in a certain area.
IQAir has a real-time ranking that shows which cities have the worst air pollution levels. Multiple Times This Week, New York City Some of the worst air quality levels have been In this world.
IQAir’s app also shares health tips. When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, for example, IQAir recommends wearing a mask outside, using air purifiers at home, closing windows and avoiding outdoor exercise.
Plum Labs
For those looking for detailed information, Plum Labs App Shares comprehensive maps with pollution hot spots. The app also has an hourly air quality forecast as levels change throughout the day.
The app, available for iPhone and Android phones, can also send alerts when air quality levels deteriorate.
aircare
aircare The app shares air quality information with helpful guidance. When the air quality is healthy, the app says, “You can breathe freely.”
The app includes a tracker that monitors allergens such as tree, grass and ragweed pollen. The app also tracks the UV index, and it provides recommendations such as “avoiding the sun, seeking shade, and using sunscreen around noon, when UV radiation from the sun is highest.”
Other Helpful Locations for Air Quality Information
Many weather apps, such as those made by Apple, The Weather Channel and AccuWeather, all provide air quality levels, in addition to weather forecasts.
national weather service Also provides details about air quality online along with resources on air quality protection.
