Tangerang air quality map

Does the air quality map for Tangerang indicate the current level of air pollution?

When the air quality map for Tangerang is first opened, the viewer will see many coloured discs, often superimposed upon each other. These are mainly over Jakarta which is very close. There are no ground-monitoring stations in Tangerang so satellite data is used instead. When viewed in full-screen mode, a legend will appear at the bottom of the screen which explains the various meanings of the different colours. The best quality air is seen against a pale green background, this then gets darker through yellow, orange, red and purple until dark maroon is used to indicate hazardous air quality.

In the centre of each disc, the viewer will see a number. This is the US AQI reading. This is an internationally recognised system endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is calculated by measuring the most prolific air pollutants within the area. Comparisons can then be made with other cities throughout the world using a world standard.

Once viewed in full-screen mode, many of the overlapping discs begin to separate and show their location and other information more clearly. If a disc is selected, a dedicated page will open giving much more in-depth information.

What information can be collected from the air pollution map for Tangerang?

When looking at the information on the main page for Tangerang, it can be seen that the current air quality is classed as “Moderate” with a US AQI reading of 78. The level of the main pollutant, PM2.5 was 25.2 µg/m³. This level is currently five times higher than the target figure of 5 µg/m³ as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Does the air pollution map for Tangerang indicate where the worst air quality is?

By studying the map in detail, the discs stand separately so it is easy to see what information they reveal on closer inspection. Even by glancing at the air pollution map for Tangerang in full-screen mode, the numbers on the discs indicate where the worst quality air is because of their increasing numbers.

Also seen on the map will be the position of the air monitors, the position of any wildfires burning, the general air quality and the direction of the wind. This is very useful when considering whilst looking at the wildfires. It will indicate whether or not the ensuing smoke will be a problem in the city. At the start of the second quarter of 2022, the closest fire to Tangerang was just under 10 kilometres away. According to the prevailing winds, they will blow the smoke from the fire towards the city.

A World AQI Ranking table can be seen on the right-hand side of the screen showing the currently most polluted cities across the world. This makes it easy to compare your city with others.

What is the actual situation of the air pollution map in Tangerang?

The problem with air pollution is predicted to continue to increase with the increase in development activities in various areas and the increase in population, one of which is in Banten Province. The state of pollution displayed in June 2021 in Tangerang City and South Tangerang City has obtained in the Intelligence Quotient Air (AQI) air quality index information of 145 which means very large. The source of air pollution in Tangerang City comes from industrial area activities. Meanwhile, in South Tangerang, air pollution comes from industrial area activities and transportation. Industrial areas and transportation areas have increased every year and are not properly controlled and the condition of the area will result in a decrease in the quality of the area or cause air pollution.

Traffic density, the use of fuel oil, and the lack of green open space are some of the factors that can affect the shrinking of air quality. Air pollution is a problem that is often experienced in urban areas that require special attention because it will have a negative impact on people's health. Because of the industrialised nature of Tangerang, not only local vehicles vie for space on its roads, but also vehicles delivering and collecting goods from neighbouring areas. These are often powered by diesel fuel which is thought to be a worse polluter than gasoline.

Is any other information available on the air quality map for Tangerang?

Further information can be found by selecting any of the coloured discs that you are curious about. This will take you to a dedicated page containing comprehensive information about that selected station and its environs. Here you will see a list of the measured pollutants and an indication of how dirty the air is. Information such as this is very useful if you intend to travel to other areas within the city. As you scroll down the page it indicates when the best time of day is to be subject to the cleanest air.

PM2.5 is a measurement used often on the air pollution map of Tangerang, but what is it?

Without realising it we breathe air pollution that is harmful to the body when travelling. One of the airborne particles we breathe is called PM10 and PM2.5. The name of this particle may be rare to hear, but the term appears frequently in science and health articles.

PM2.5 can increase due to heat, fire and environmental pollution. If inhaled, these airborne particles can be harmful to the body, especially to the lungs and heart.

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter or particulate matter (PM). PM2.5 is a very small air pollutant, about 2.5 microns (micrometres). The diameter of these particles is smaller than 3 per cent of the diameter of a human hair. It is a term for a mixture of solid and liquid particles found in the air. The forms of these particles are dust, dirt, soot and smoke.

PM2.5 is formed in the atmosphere due to chemical reactions such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants are formed from the disposal of power plants, industry, and cars. PM is also emitted directly from fields, chimneys and asphalt roads.