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It’s estimated that air pollution is responsible for more than 6.5 million deaths annually. Unhealthy air causes issues in every area of the world, and one of the most important parts of fighting this trend is to accurately monitor and report air quality levels in a timely manner. Pollutants like smog and wildfire smoke are easy to see, but sometimes airborne dangers aren’t so easy to detect on the local or regional levels. In those situations, some air quality monitoring organizations are taking measurements using a higher vantage point—satellites.

How NASA Is Monitoring Air Quality with Satellites

States in the Great Lakes region are incorporating high-resolution satellite data from NASA into their efforts to measure ozone levels (more detailed information here). The enhanced information gives a more accurate reading than ground observations alone and provides states with more resources to meet federal air quality standards.

Additionally, NASA can provide information on other factors relevant to air quality and the overall environment, like wind, weather, temperature, and soil moisture levels.

One of the main benefits this measurement information provides is giving regulators a clear picture of both current air pollution levels and the results of any mitigation efforts—basically, the before and after pictures for air quality improvement.

Strategies to reduce ground ozone and other air pollutants are essential for people’s health (especially those in densely populated areas), and are relevant to large-scale climate change efforts.

Indoor Air Quality Monitors for Your Home

You can also stay down to earth with air quality monitoring. AprilAire is partnering with Airthings, a global technology company that produces award-winning, best-selling Indoor Air Quality monitors for radon and other dangerous airborne contaminants that impact overall health and wellness. Find out more about the partnership here.