by AirNow fire map includes data from PurpleAir sensors (indicated by small circles on the map) and Watch Duty, a non-profit app to monitor firesalso shows PurpleAir data. But it is possible that due to different calculations and processing delays, the air quality index reported by the same sensor can vary widely between maps. For what is known as PM2.5 pollution or small inhalable particles of smoke and dust, the PurpleAir sensor located south of Los Angeles International Airport also returned an air quality index of 28 above AirNow's website, 20 on WatchDuty and 5 on PurpleAir's official site.
Each of those values typically represents fresh air, but things can get more complicated when other types of data are added to the calculation. That's exactly what companies like BreezoMeter and Ambee do, hoping to provide what they describe as “hyper-local” estimates accurate over many miles between several sensor locations.
BreezoMeter was founded in Israel and raised tens of millions of dollars in venture capital before Google acquired it in 2022 for more than $200 million, according to Israeli media. (Google declined to comment on the value of the deal.) It provides air quality data available in the Weather app on Apple devices and the Google Maps app. Meanwhile, Indian startup Ambee is responsible for air quality data in the WeatherBug app, one of the most popular weather apps in the world.
Yael Maguire, vice president of sustainable geography at Google, said BreezoMeter Estimated air quality hours across a variety of contaminants and locations, generating more data than many government systems. To perform calculations, the company uses information gathered not only from EPA and PurpleAir sensors but also from satellites and other sources such as weather and traffic reports. According to its CEO, Jaideep Singh Bachher, the same data is integrated into Ambee's proprietary algorithm. “We want to give people the right data whenever and wherever they need it,” he said.
Volckens says he doesn't trust these systems. The low-cost PurpleAir sensors they use in part are not well suited to the conditions they are typically deployed in the US, including during wildfires, he said. But he admits that although they tend to be misleading in terms of raw numbers, these sensors can be accurate about 90% of the time in determining the level of advice – the scale ranges from green to green. maroon is often enough for people to make a decision. about how to protect your health.
Andrew White, PurpleAir representative, said its sensor was found to be correct and it doesn't control how other services run calculations using its data. Google’s Maguire said the company “delivers highly accurate, industry-leading air quality information,” including “even in areas with limited monitoring.”
Jennifer Richmond-Bryant, an associate professor of forestry and environmental resources at North Carolina State University who has researched the PurpleAir sensor, said the safest bet for those concerned about air quality is to trust Expect the highest number or color level among the various offerings. “I have more confidence in AirNow's numbers because I understand them,” she said. But “it never hurts to make an overly cautious decision when it comes to protecting yourself.”
In countries with adequate government oversight, startups are filling an important gap. BreezoMeter and Ambee were founded by people worried about their families' exposure to harmful air particles at home in Israel and India. BreezoMeter provides data on over 40 countries and Ambee on 100 countries.
That broad coverage also makes its service attractive to Apple and other global companies that want to incorporate air data, including pollen forecasts, into apps, product testing or marketing campaign. Breezometer customers include companies in the automotive, health and fitness, and beauty industries. Ambee's includes healthcare businesses such as Sanofi, which makes the allergy drug Allegra and launched last year a tool to find the walking and cycling routes with the freshest air.
BreezoMeter has laid off several Google employees, although Maguire said the company is committed to providing reliable air data. As demand for air quality data soars, researchers are racing to improve the output of low-cost sensors and advocate the installation of different types of monitoring devices, such as many More pollen counting stations. What is no longer ambiguous these days is fresh air get worseAnd we're behind on measuring it accurately,” Volkens said.