OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Ecology (WSDOE) launched an enhanced air quality monitoring map to make tracking air pollution more accessible for Washington residents.
Ecology has made the map easier to use on smartphones and tablets and has made the map downloadable.
The map draws the most accurate and real-time data available from the state’s network of more than 80 air quality monitoring stations and provides a color-coded guide to pollution levels based on the national Air Quality Index (AQI).
Along with tracking air pollutants, the map offers data about levels of ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
The map also contains a five-day forecast for predicted impacts from wildfire smoke.
“Providing accurate and reliable air quality information is a key service we provide to the people of Washington,” said Kathy Taylor, manager of WSDOE's Air Quality program. “Now we have added more information to our interactive air quality map and made it even easier to access, so everyone can protect themselves from the dangers of smoke and other forms of air pollution.”
Additionally, a newly added feature shows local air quality information for 16 communities where the WSDOE is working to expand monitoring under the Climate Commitment Act.
Other enhancements include:
A list of monitoring sites by AQI, county, or by searching a location
An interactive graph for each site showing air quality trends for seven days
Historical hourly air quality data back to 2007
Information about burn bans and restrictions
Improved accessibility features for visually impaired users
The new map can be accessed through the WSDOE website.
