The top panel shows the forecast for the Common Air Quality Index (CAQI) used in Europe since 2006. It is a number on a scale from 1 to 100, where a low value (green colors) means good air quality and a high value (red colors) means bad air quality. CAQI colour-coding is used in all air pollution forecast panels of the meteogram to indicate the level of pollution. For the pollen forecast there are no official guidelines for color-coding, as pollen are not part of the Air Quality Index forecast. The Air Quality index is defined separately near roads (“roadside” index) or away from roads ("background" index). meteoblue uses the background index, because weather models can not reproduce small-scale differences along the roads. Therefore, measurements along roads will show higher values than forecast here.
The second panel shows the forecast of particles (PM and desert dust) for 42.95°N 0.7°E. Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) are microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the air. Sources of particulate matter can be natural or anthropogenic. Of greatest concern topublic health are the particles small enough to be inhaled into the deepest parts of the lung. These particles are less than10microns in diameter (approximately 1/7th the thickness of the a human hair) and are defined as PM10. They are a mixture of materials that can include smoke, soot, dust, salt, acids, and metals. Particulate matter also forms whengases emitted from motor vehicles and industry undergo chemical reactions in the atmosphere. PM10 is visible by eye as the haze that we think of as smog. PM10 are among the most harmful of all air pollutants.
- PM10 can increase thenumber and severity of asthma attacks
- PM10 causes or aggravate bronchitis and other lung diseases
- PM10 reduces the body's ability to fight infections
PM10 includes fineparticulate matter defined as PM2.5, which are fine particles with a diameter of 2.5μm or less. The biggest impact of particulate air pollution on public health is understood to be from long-term exposure to PM2.5:
- PM2.5 increases the age-specific mortality risk, particularly from cardiovascular causes.
Desert Dust consists of particles smaller than 62 μm originating in deserts. Often, the dust particles are small, leading to high concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 and all related health impacts.
Forecasts of concentrations of air pollution gases are presented in the third panel. Ozone (O₃) pollution in the lower troposphere is caused mainly in urban areas. Ozone can:
- Make it more difficult to breathe deeply and vigorously
- Cause shortness of breath, and pain when taking a deep breath
- Cause coughing and sore or scratchy throat
- Inflame and damage the breathing airways
- Aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis
- Increase the frequency of asthma attacks
- Make the lungs more susceptible to infection
- Continue to damage the lungs even when the symptoms have disappeared
- Cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a gas, which is invisible and has a nasty, sharp smell. It reacts easily with other substances to form harmful compounds, such as sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid and sulfate particles.
- Short-term exposures to SO₂ can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult.
- SO₂ and other sulfur oxides can contribute to acid rain, which can harm sensitive ecosystems.
- Children, the elderly, and those who suffer from asthma are particularly sensitive to effects of SO₂.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a reddish-brown gas that has a characteristic sharp, biting odor and is a prominent air pollutant.The major source of nitrogen dioxide is the burning of fossil fuels: coal, oil and gas. Most of the nitrogen dioxide in cities comes from motor vehicle exhaust. Nitrogen dioxide is an important air pollutant because it contributes to the formation of ozone, which can have significant impacts on human health.
- NO₂ inflames the lining of the lungs, and it can reduce immunity to lung infections
- NO₂ causes problems such as wheezing, coughing, colds, flu and bronchitis
Disclaimer
Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF nor meteoblue is responsible for any use that may be made of the forecast information presented here. Predictions are issued from an atmospheric model with 12 km resolution. Outputs may not be correlated enough with real concentrations. Please consult your local air quality agency, especially in the case of a pollution peak or a pollution alert.
FAQs
Outdoor air pollution is caused by particles and gasses that are not normally part of the air. This can come from pollen, smoke, dust, ozone, and emissions from cars and factories. All of these can create poor outdoor air quality. Bad outdoor air quality can make asthma and allergies worse.
Is pollen considered PM2 5? ›
The size of PM2. 5 is 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller while pollen particles are usually well over 10 micrometers. Pollen particles can sometimes rupture and break into smaller airborne particles in the PM2. 5 range, but their contribution is too small to make a difference in the AQI.
What does air quality mean on a weather map? ›
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you.
What is in the air in Fort Worth today? ›
The air quality is ideal for most individuals; enjoy your normal outdoor activities.
Do air purifiers stop pollen? ›
Most purifiers capture particles like dust and pollen, but the best air purifiers with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can remove air pollutants as small as 0.1 microns, thanks to their multi-layer network of fine threads. Activated carbon filters can also help to remove odors.
Does rain clear the air of pollen? ›
Light, steady rain showers can wash the pollen away, keeping it from flying through the air. The humidity that follows helps keep pollen down too. Rain can have a welcome benefit for people with pollen allergies. Did you know pollen counts may be higher when it's dry and hot?
Can air purifiers filter PM2 5? ›
Remember, the hepa filter does not deal with the gases, it only removes particles (PM2. 5). These harmful (usually odourless) gases need to be adsorbed as they come through the filter and before they re-enter the room.
Do masks help with PM2 5? ›
Should you wear a surgical mask? Even though a surgical mask cannot filter out the small particles in the air, it can provide some level of protection against the PM2. 5 and other less severe pollution if properly worn. It is also a good idea to wear it while you are indoors.
What level of PM 2.5 is unhealthy? ›
5 over a 24-hour period. Most studies indicate PM2. 5 at or below 12 μg/m3 is considered healthy with little to no risk from exposure. If the level goes to or above 35 μg/m3 during a 24-hour period, the air is considered unhealthy and can cause issues for people with existing breathing issues such as asthma.
What time of day is air quality best? ›
Air Quality in the Morning Vs Nighttime
Researchers discovered that particulate matter concentrations are greater in the morning and at night. It is especially active between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. (LST). On the other side, it is lowest in the afternoon, particularly from 3:00 and 5:00 PM (LST).
AQI values at or below 100 are generally thought of as satisfactory. When AQI values are above 100, air quality is unhealthy: at first for certain sensitive groups of people, then for everyone as AQI values get higher. The AQI is divided into six categories.
What two pollutants pose the greatest threat to human health? ›
For each of these pollutants, EPA has established national air quality standards to protect public health. Ground-level ozone and airborne particles are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country.
What part of Texas has the cleanest air? ›
The Midland-Odessa metropolitan area is the only in Texas to feature on the cleanest cities list. When it comes to year-round unhealthy levels of particulates, the worst offenders are more geographically diverse.
Why is Fort Worth so hazy? ›
Saharan dust continues to linger over Dallas-Fort Worth, creating hazy skies.
Are allergies bad in Fort Worth? ›
The pollen count in Fort Worth is currently low for tree pollen, moderate for grass pollen, low for ragweed pollen, and very high for dust and dander.
What are the side effects of pollen in the air? ›
Symptoms
- Sneezing.
- Nasal congestion.
- Runny nose.
- Watery eyes.
- Itchy throat and eyes.
- Wheezing.
Allergies to pollen commonly cause symptoms of hay fever including: runny, itchy, congested nose. sneezing. irritable, itchy, watery and red eyes.
Is pollen an indoor air pollutant? ›
Biological contaminants include bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, mites, cockroaches, and pollen (see more about asthma triggers). There are many sources of these pollutants.
Can pollen affect you indoors? ›
Plus, pollen particles are tiny and can travel far and wide. “If you are opening your doors and windows more often than normal to let air in, these will find their way inside your home and attach themselves to various household items, as well as travel directly into your eyes or nasal passages,” said Abelovska.
