Receiving an air quality alert on your phone is a frightening experience, and many don't even know where these warnings originate.
For decades, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has gathered data on air pollution to air quality. The EPA's certified Air Quality Index (AQI) is a basic testing method used to protect public health. However, building owners should also measure indoor air quality levels to ensure all occupants remain safe.
This article explores air quality alert levels, including what they track and how to understand them. We also explain how property managers should leverage air quality monitors to track particulate matter and pollution levels in indoor spaces.
Air quality alerts were developed in 1970 with the passing of the Clean Air Act. The government began initiatives to track the origins and results of poor air quality, whether it be wildfires, excessive car exhaust, or factory emissions. To begin setting air quality standards, the EPA decided to measure the following pollutants:
Then, to explain pollution levels, the EPA formed an air quality level chart. This chart helps citizens understand the AQI, the associated risks, and who needs to be concerned:
These numbers outlined by the EPA measure outdoor air pollution. However, it's vital for property owners to take additional precautions to improve indoor air quality. For example, as air quality systems progress, additional measurements help track a broader range of indoor pollutants, such as indoor CO2 levels, mold, formaldehyde, asbestos, and radon.
Studies show that one in three Americans live in places with poor air quality levels, which, when unaddressed, leads to severe health risks.
Here are a few major health risks from prolonged exposure to poor air quality:
Tracking local air quality levels requires taking the initiative, but it's a simple process overall. To start, there are official websites that provide updates on air quality levels.
The process is simple: Just plug in your ZIP code, and the AQI appears. However, if levels become dangerous or are forecasted to become dangerous, officials administer alerts through TV, radio, or SMS message.
However, property owners shouldn't simply rely on government officials to understand pollution levels. It's crucial to continuously monitor indoor air quality as well, as Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. The EPA standards can't accurately track indoor pollution, so a robust indoor sensor network is needed to track indoor pollution sources and avoid adverse health effects.
Government officials use multiple forms of air quality services to administer alerts and warnings. There are three different types, which are dependent on the severity of health risks:
Many fail to understand what precautions to take after receiving an air quality health alert. The best action is to stay informed, as officials issue instructions concerning what and what not to do.
Often, after an air alert goes out, it's wise to limit outdoor activities. For example, any exercise or physical activity should be conducted in an environment with filtered air.
However, don't assume you're safe just because you're inside. Check your current air-conditioning filter to ensure it's not dirty. Additionally, consider setting up an air purifier and ensure all doors and windows are shut and sealed. Also, avoid smoking or using too many combustible products inside.
Attune stands at the forefront of providing buildings and homes with cutting-edge technology to secure indoor air quality. Our system doesn't merely track common air pollutants outlined by the EPA. The Attune Sensware IoT solution runs on both hardware and software. After you place sensors in key areas throughout a building or facility, they collect and funnel a continuous stream of real-time data into the mobile, cloud-based platform. Then, Attune aggregates reports and issues alerts so you immediately know when indoor air quality risks arise.
We continue outfitting our tech with the highest-grade solutions. For example, we partnered with a firefighter safety company, Toxic Suppression, to install features that alert first responders to any airborne threats as they look to save lives. Additionally, our solution includes active mold monitoring features for detecting mold growth and spores early on, before they become a significant problem to human health or cause building damage.
Put your indoor air quality data to work to maintain the safest possible environment. Schedule a demo today to see our solution in action.