The Evolution of Air Quality Data from Months-old Regulatory Reporting to Real-time Images on TV

The Environmental Protection Agency has been gathering ambient air quality data for over 40 years. Historically, these data were measured in real-time, but not collected or analyzed until months later when they were primarily used in the development of policies and regulations for improving air quality; not necessarily for public information. With the advancements in monitoring and data transfer technology, these ambient measurements can now be transformed into useful information in real-time to inform the public about current air quality in their community. Recent developments have enhanced the EPA's ability to provide these data to the major Weather Service Providers in a timely fashion for delivery to local and national TV meteorologists. This presentation will detail the evolution of the real-time air quality data delivery system along with the methodologies used to deliver this information to the Weather Service Providers and local TV forecasters. In addition, information on the health impacts of air quality will be addressed to demonstrate why this information is in demand by the general public.