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AirQ+: A Powerful Tool for Estimating the Health Effects of Air Pollution



What is AirQ+ and why you should download it




Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats to human health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 90% of the world's population breathes polluted air, which causes about 7 million deaths every year. Air pollution can also worsen chronic diseases, such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes.


Fortunately, there is a way to monitor and protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution: AirQ+. AirQ+ is a software tool developed by WHO that provides reliable and user-friendly information on air quality and its health impacts. With AirQ+, you can access historical, real-time, and forecast data on key pollutants for more than 10,000 cities in 80+ countries. You can also get health recommendations based on the air quality levels and your personal sensitivity. In addition, you can link your own air quality monitors to the app and view live data on six major pollutants.




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By downloading AirQ+, you will not only gain a better understanding of the air you breathe, but also learn how to reduce your exposure and impact on the environment. AirQ+ is more than just an app; it is a tool for health risk assessment, awareness raising, and policy making. It can help you take action to improve your health and fight against air pollution and climate change.


AirQ+ features and benefits




AirQ+ has many features and benefits that make it a unique and valuable app for anyone who cares about their health and the environment. Here are some of them:



  • Historical, real-time, and forecast air pollution data: AirQ+ allows you to view detailed figures on key pollutants for more than 10,000 cities in 80+ countries. You can see the current air quality index (AQI), which is a color-coded scale that indicates how clean or polluted the air is and what health effects you may experience. You can also see the historical trends and the forecast for the next 7 days. This can help you plan your activities and avoid exposure to high levels of pollution.



  • Health recommendations based on air quality levels and sensitive groups: AirQ+ provides you with personalized advice on how to protect your health from air pollution, depending on the AQI and your sensitivity. For example, if you are a child, an elderly person, or someone with a respiratory or cardiovascular condition, you may be more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and need to take more precautions. AirQ+ will tell you what actions you can take, such as staying indoors, wearing a mask, or seeking medical attention.



  • Weather information and 7-day forecasts: AirQ+ also gives you information on the weather conditions and the 7-day forecasts for your location. You can see the temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. This can help you understand how the weather affects the air quality and vice versa. For example, high temperatures and low winds can increase the concentration of pollutants in the air, while rain can wash them away.



  • Linking your own air quality monitors to the app: AirQ+ allows you to link your own air quality monitors to the app and view live data on six major pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). You can also compare your data with the official data from WHO and other sources. This can help you monitor the air quality in your home, workplace, or neighborhood, and take action if needed.



  • Live monitoring of 6 key pollutants: AirQ+ lets you see live data on six key pollutants that affect your health and the environment. You can see their concentration, sources, effects, and standards. You can also see how they interact with each other and form secondary pollutants. For example, NO2 and VOCs react with sunlight to form O3, which is a powerful oxidant that can damage your lungs. By knowing more about these pollutants, you can learn how to avoid or reduce them.



How to download and use AirQ+




AirQ+ is easy to download and use. Here are the steps you need to follow:


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  • Find and install the app from the App Store or Google Play Store: AirQ+ is available for both iOS and Android devices. You can find it by searching for "AirQ+" or "WHO Air Quality" in the App Store or Google Play Store. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code below to download the app directly. The app is free and does not require any registration or login.



  • Select your location and view the AQI and other information: Once you open the app, you will see a map with your current location and the AQI for that area. You can also search for any other city or country in the world and see their AQI and other information. You can tap on the AQI icon to see more details on the pollutants, weather, health recommendations, and sources. You can also swipe left or right to see the historical trends and the forecast for that location.



  • Customize your settings and preferences: You can customize your settings and preferences by tapping on the menu icon at the top left corner of the app. You can choose your preferred language, units, notifications, theme, sensitivity group, and data source. You can also link your own air quality monitors to the app by tapping on "My monitors" and following the instructions.



  • Access the help files and user survey: If you need any help or have any feedback on the app, you can access the help files and user survey by tapping on the menu icon at the top left corner of the app. You can find answers to frequently asked questions, contact information, terms of use, privacy policy, acknowledgments, and references. You can also take a short user survey to share your experience and suggestions with WHO.



How AirQ+ can help you fight air pollution and climate change




AirQ+ is not only a tool for monitoring air quality and health effects; it is also a tool for fighting air pollution and climate change. By using AirQ+, you can not only understand how air pollution affects you personally, but also how it affects the planet as a whole. Air pollution is not only a health problem; it is also an environmental problem that contributes to global warming, acid rain, and ozone depletion. By reducing air pollution, you can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down climate change. AirQ+ can help you take action to reduce your exposure and impact on the environment by providing you with some tips and resources. Here are some of them:


How to reduce your personal exposure to air pollution




Reducing your personal exposure to air pollution can improve your health and well-being. Here are some tips on how to do that:



  • Avoid outdoor activities when the air quality is poor: Check the AQI and health recommendations on AirQ+ before you go outside. If the air quality is unhealthy or worse, avoid or limit your outdoor activities, especially if you are in a sensitive group. If you have to go outside, wear a mask that can filter out the pollutants, such as an N95 or N99 mask.



  • Use public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving: Driving a car contributes to air pollution by emitting exhaust fumes and other pollutants. By using public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving, you can reduce your emissions and exposure to air pollution. You can also save money, improve your fitness, and reduce traffic congestion. If you have to drive, choose a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle, maintain your car regularly, and avoid idling your engine.



  • Choose cleaner fuels and technologies for cooking, heating, and lighting: Cooking, heating, and lighting with solid fuels, such as wood, coal, or charcoal, can produce a lot of indoor air pollution, which can be more harmful than outdoor air pollution. By choosing cleaner fuels and technologies, such as natural gas, electricity, or solar power, you can reduce indoor air pollution and improve your health. You can also use improved stoves, chimneys, or vents to reduce the smoke and emissions from solid fuels.



  • Use air purifiers, filters, or plants to improve indoor air quality: Indoor air quality can be affected by various sources of pollution, such as tobacco smoke, household chemicals, mold, dust mites, and pet dander. By using air purifiers, filters, or plants to improve indoor air quality, you can remove or reduce these pollutants and breathe cleaner air. You can also ventilate your home regularly by opening windows or doors.



How to reduce your contribution to air pollution and climate change




Reducing your contribution to air pollution and climate change can improve the environment and the health of future generations. Here are some tips on how to do that:



  • Use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power: Renewable energy sources are clean and sustainable sources of energy that do not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants. By using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, which are the main contributors to air pollution and climate change. You can also save money on your energy bills and support the development of green technologies.



  • Reduce your energy consumption and waste generation: Energy consumption and waste generation are both linked to air pollution and climate change. By reducing your energy consumption and waste generation, you can reduce your emissions and impact on the environment. You can also save money and resources. Some ways to do this are: - Turn off or unplug appliances and devices when not in use. - Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. - Adjust your thermostat and use fans or blankets instead of heating or cooling. - Recycle or compost your waste materials. - Buy less or buy second-hand products.



  • Support policies and initiatives that promote clean air and climate action: Policies and initiatives that promote clean air and climate action are essential for reducing air pollution and climate change at a global scale. By supporting these policies and initiatives, you can make a difference in the world and influence the decision-makers. You can also benefit from the improved environmental conditions and health outcomes. Some ways to do this are: - Vote for candidates who support clean air and climate action. - Sign petitions or join campaigns that advocate for clean air and climate action. - Donate to organizations that work for clean air and climate action.



  • Raise awareness and educate others about the importance of air quality: Raising awareness and educating others about the importance of air quality is crucial for increasing public knowledge and engagement on this issue. By raising awareness and educating others about the importance of air quality, you can inspire them to take action and join the fight against air pollution and climate change. You can also learn more and improve your skills and knowledge on this topic. Some ways to do this are: - Share your AirQ+ data and tips with your friends, family, and social media followers. - Participate in online or offline events, workshops, or courses on air quality and related topics. - Volunteer for or collaborate with organizations that work for clean air and climate action.



Conclusion




AirQ+ is a powerful and useful app that can help you monitor and protect your health from air pollution. It can also help you reduce your impact on the environment and fight against air pollution and climate change. By downloading AirQ+, you can access reliable and user-friendly information on air quality and its health impacts for more than 10,000 cities in 80+ countries. You can also get personalized health recommendations, link your own air quality monitors, and view live data on six key pollutants. Moreover, you can learn how to reduce your exposure and contribution to air pollution and climate change by following some simple tips and resources. AirQ+ is more than just an app; it is a tool for health risk assessment, awareness raising, and policy making. It can help you take action to improve your health and the planet. Download AirQ+ today and join the fight against air pollution and climate change!


FAQs




Here are some frequently asked questions about AirQ+:



  • What is the source of the air quality data on AirQ+?



The air quality data on AirQ+ comes from various sources, such as WHO, national or local authorities, research institutions, citizen science initiatives, and private companies. AirQ+ uses the best available data for each location, based on the quality, reliability, and timeliness of the data. You can see the source of the data for each location by tapping on the "i" icon next to the AQI.


  • How often is the air quality data updated on AirQ+?



The air quality data on AirQ+ is updated as frequently as possible, depending on the source of the data. Some sources provide real-time or near-real-time data, while others provide hourly, daily, or weekly data. You can see the date and time of the last update for each location by tapping on the "i" icon next to the AQI.


  • What are the health effects of air pollution?



Air pollution can cause a range of health effects, from mild symptoms such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, to serious diseases such as lung cancer, stroke, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Air pollution can also worsen existing health conditions, such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, and hypertension. The health effects of air pollution depend on several factors, such as the type, level, duration, and frequency of exposure to pollutants, as well as the age, health status, and genetic makeup of the individual.


  • What are the main sources of air pollution?



The main sources of air pollution are human activities that involve the combustion of fossil fuels, such as transportation, power generation, industry, agriculture, waste management, and household heating and cooking. These activities emit various pollutants into the atmosphere, such as particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some natural sources of air pollution include wildfires , dust storms, volcanoes, and pollen. These sources can also contribute to the formation of secondary pollutants, such as O3 and PM.


  • How can I link my own air quality monitor to AirQ+?



If you have your own air quality monitor, you can link it to AirQ+ and view live data on your app. To do this, you need to follow these steps: - Make sure your monitor is compatible with AirQ+. You can check the list of compatible monitors on the AirQ+ website or contact the AirQ+ team for more information. - Register your monitor on the AirQ+ website by providing some basic information, such as the monitor name, location, and type. - Connect your monitor to the internet and make sure it is sending data to the AirQ+ server. - Open the AirQ+ app and tap on "My monitors" in the menu. You should see your monitor listed there. - Tap on your monitor to see the live data on six key pollutants.


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