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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Change in Measured Ambient Air Quality

The change in ambient air quality is a vital component of an effective air quality control system.1 This indicator refers to changes in the amount of emissions emitted before and after an intervention is implemented.2 Pollution levels, including those of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5), are examined.1 The Air Quality Index (AQI), which functions like a thermometer and gives values between 0 and 500 degrees, is often used to assess changes in ambient air quality. The tool provides data on the variations in air pollution levels before and after the metric was put into place.3

This indicator helps determine the effectiveness of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Data Collection

Data on ambient air quality can be collated from the Air Quality System (AQS), which is a national repository. The data is collected by the EPA, state, local, and tribal air pollution control agencies. Additionally, the public may access air quality data gathered from outdoor monitors via the EPA’s Air Data website.4

Examples

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) aims to reduce short-lived climate pollutants to preserve human health, agriculture, and the environment. They utilize the GHG Emissions Calculation Tool to monitor the concentration of pollutants in the environment and evaluate air quality. Their main objective is to improve air quality by lowering carbon dioxide levels and short-lived climatic pollutants (SLCPs), such as methane and black carbon.

https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/climate-and-clean-air-coalition-ccac-accelerating-action-short-lived/

1. Nath, P. What is ambient air quality? How can be measure the AAQ? [Internet]. LiveMCQs. 2022 [cited 2022 Jul 13]. Available from: https://livemcqs.com/2022/04/04/ambient-air-quality/
2. Nic.in. [cited 2022 Jul 13]. Available from: http://www.punenvis.nic.in/index2.aspx?slid=56&mid=1&langid=1&sublinkid=35#:~:text=Ambient%20air%20quality%20monitoring%20is%20the%20organized%2C%20long-
3. What is Ambient Air Quality? [Internet]. WKC Group. 2022 [cited 2022 Jul 13]. Available from: https://www.wkcgroup.com/newsletter/news/what-is-ambient-air-quality/
4. Us Epa O. Managing air quality - ambient air monitoring. 2015 [cited 2022 Jul 29]; Available from: https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-management-process/managing-air-quality-ambient-air-monitoring