Philadelphia air quality map

What are some of the air quality readings on the pollution map for Philadelphia?

The air quality map in use for Philadelphia is updated consistently over a single day, and throughout the year, providing users with fresh data regarding the level of air cleanliness present in the various areas in Philadelphia, or the lack thereof, also indicating the level of pollutants in the air, shown in the form of a US AQI reading. The US AQI figure is aggregated from several main pollutants found in the air throughout the United States and indeed much of the world, typically released from the most common sources present in any areas where people gather, which can become particularly more prominent in densely populated cities, as well as being more salient in parts of the world where heavy industrial activity is taking place, along with other day to day activities such as the use of vehicles, or the burning of fuel in power plants and factories.

To quote some of the figures that were observed on the air quality map, or air pollution map as it may also be referred to, readings taken at the start of June of 2022 will be listed. These are purely for examples with a brief explanation alongside them to describe what the matching colors with the US AQI readings mean, along with pollution rating classifications, and in further questions, which pollutants make up these readings. At the beginning of June, some fairly high pollution readings were taken, so much so that, when many air quality map readings have been observed across the United States over a long period of time, it can be quickly seen when there are air quality related abnormalities present. As there are more ambient sources of air pollution present in all cities across America, with ones such as the aforementioned cars, motorbikes, heavy freight vehicles such as lorries and trucks, and even factories and power plants, all falling into this consistent, or ambient bracket (due to their incessant use throughout the year, albeit with some months seeing higher usage of vehicles of power plants to provide a surplus of electricity when it may be needed), these will consistently cause US AQI readings and pollution levels to be mildly elevated. The main difference however can come from events such as wildfires (or in rarer cases manmade disasters such as industrial-related incidents). Wildfires, with one currently taking place in the southern portion of Philadelphia at the start of June 2022, can drive the US AQI readings up to considerable numbers, far more so than the aforementioned ‘ambient’ pollution sources can. It should be noted though, that all pollution sources can combine, along with adverse weather conditions such as lack of strong winds or rain, to create the higher figures seen.

Readings taken in Philadelphia included ones such as 55 and 59, figures that would place that particular part of the city into the 'moderate' air pollution rating bracket. This is color-coded as yellow and requires a US AQI reading of 51 to 100 to be classified as such. Whilst 'moderate' air pollution readings are not entirely uncommon in many cities throughout the United States, it should be noted that there was not a single US AQI reading taken from a single monitoring station in Philadelphia (all of which provide the pollution readings that can be seen above on the air quality map) that fell below 50, which would place that area into the 'good' air quality level. This indicates that early June in Philadelphia was experiencing some pollution-related woes and as such many citizens may have been affected, and will continue to be during times when the US AQI readings go as high as these. The 'good' air quality rating bracket is taken between 0 to 50 and has an accompanying color code of green, which can be seen on the air pollution map above, as well as on the city page for Philadelphia, which shows air quality forecasts, as well as yearly averages from times past (to give users greater insight into the recent history of air quality in Philadelphia).

Higher readings present were 71 and 77, both still within the 'moderate' air quality bracket, but rising ever high up to the next rating. As mentioned, these are not common throughout much of the year in many cities in America, Philadelphia included, and when the air quality map above is referred to, there will be many different variations present, depending on several factors, with US AQI readings being significantly lower, in a more hopeful situation. High US AQI readings indicate larger amounts of ultrafine particles (soot, black carbon, silica dust, oil vapors), smoke, haze and smog, which may be gleaned by observing the air pollution map and seeing how high the US AQI reading is. As the figure moves towards, or past 100, this is when the air quality level starts to take a turn for the worst and people should put preventative measures into practice, which include wearing fine particle filtering masks, avoiding outdoor or strenuous activities (with jogging in polluted areas being a particularly salient one), as well as keeping doors and windows closed to prevent indoor air pollution levels from rising, all of which can help reduce pollution-related health issues in areas that have poor US AQI readings on the air quality map.

What do higher readings on the air quality map for Philadelphia possibly indicate?

Higher US AQI readings on Philadelphia’s air quality maps can indicate potential environmental or health problems cropping up. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may become apparent amongst those who are susceptible, or the aggravation of pre-existing COPD-related diseases, with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and pneumonia all falling into this COPD bracket. Skin conditions may worse, along with other more severe issues such as the increased risk of heart attacks, chest pain and infection, strokes, and even premature death occurring, with many studies conducted over the years have linked excessive pollution exposure to reduced life span, as well as life quality.

What can be learned from the pollution readings on Philadelphia’s air quality map?

The US AQI readings present on the air quality map, besides providing users with the level of cleanliness, or the severity of the pollution levels present in Philadelphia, can also tell you about the number of pollutants you may be exposed to. US AQI readings shown on the air quality map are formed from carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone, along with PM10 and PM2.5. As such, when the US AQI readings are high in a certain area on the air quality map, these are the main pollutants that users will likely be breathing in, in greater quantities.

Can you benefit significantly from using air quality maps in Philadelphia?

Users can most definitely benefit from observing the readings present on the air quality map for Philadelphia. With the figures for early June of 2022 showing more dangerous elevations in the pollution levels, if such events are to continue, or reoccur, the use of air quality maps can help to inform users which areas of Philadelphia have the highest level of pollution (and thus they may avoid them, if possible). This can benefit vulnerable groups to a greater extent, with the elderly falling into this group, along with those that have pre-existing medical conditions, or compromised immune systems. All can benefit, with these benefits applying to healthy individuals as well, as pollution can have consequences on any individuals who come into contact with larger accumulations.