Air Quality Data
The Great Plains Institute (GPI) will monitor the following air pollutants, which are closely related to traffic and other transportation pollution, in three to five locations in each of the six partner AIRNET communities:
- particulate matter (referred to as PM10, PM2.5)
- nitrogen oxides (referred to as NOx)
Understanding the variability of these pollutants in specific neighborhoods helps us to understand and design related projects that will ultimately reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.
How air quality data empowers communities
Having accurate, relevant air quality information equips communities with critical information. Air quality data can help people track environmental changes. It can also provide early warnings during high pollution events. More broadly, it helps people take action:
Raises awareness about potential health risks associated with poor air quality
Helps communities advocate for their health and environment more effectively
Communities can share this information in discussions to push for cleaner air initiatives. They can point to the dashboard when talking with neighbors, lawmakers, local businesses, and others.
While air pollution is an immediate concern that people notice every day, climate change can sometimes feel less pressing. GPI’s work shows how efforts to reduce carbon emissions, such as transitioning to cleaner energy sources, can also improve local air quality. These efforts provide local, tangible benefits that mobilize community action.
EPA uses a tool called the Air Quality Index or AQI for communicating outdoor air quality on a daily basis. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system that translates air pollution levels into a simple, color-coded number (0-500+) to show how clean or polluted the air is and the associated health risks, helping the public make informed decisions about outdoor activities, with higher numbers indicating worse air and greater health concerns. It covers major pollutants like ozone and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), using categories from “Good” (0-50) to “Hazardous” (300+) with specific advice for sensitive groups (children, older adults, people with lung/heart conditions).
MPCA calculates the AQI specifically for the state of Minnesota based on the air pollutant measurements from the monitoring stations around the state. A color-coded map represents the air quality. More details can be found at: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/current-air-quality-conditions