Editorial Guidelines

At US Air Quality, we are committed to providing accurate, timely, and transparent air quality information. Our editorial guidelines ensure that every AQI reading, forecast, and health recommendation meets rigorous standards for accuracy and reliability.

Official Data Sources

All air quality data on US Air Quality originates from official U.S. government sources. We do not operate our own monitoring stations or generate independent air quality measurements.

EPA AirNow

Our primary data source for real-time air quality information. AirNow is operated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with NOAA, National Park Service, NASA, CDC, and state, tribal, and local air quality agencies nationwide.

The AirNow network includes over 2,000 monitoring stations providing official Air Quality Index (AQI) values, individual pollutant measurements, and air quality forecasts.

EPA Air Quality System (AQS)

The official repository for ambient air quality data, containing decades of historical measurements from EPA, state, local, and tribal air pollution control agencies. We use AQS data for historical trends and year-over-year comparisons.

Real-Time Data Handling

Air quality can change rapidly, making timely data delivery essential. Our data pipeline is designed to provide current information while maintaining accuracy:

Update Frequency

Real-time AQI data is retrieved hourly from the EPA AirNow API, matching the standard update schedule of government monitoring stations.

Forecast Data

Air quality forecasts are updated twice daily when new EPA forecasts are issued, typically in the morning and afternoon.

Data Latency Disclosure

We display the timestamp of the last data update so users understand data currency. During rapidly changing conditions (wildfires, weather events), actual air quality may differ from displayed values.

Outage Handling

When monitoring stations go offline or data is unavailable, we clearly indicate this rather than displaying stale data. Users are directed to AirNow.gov for the most current official information.

Accuracy Standards

We maintain strict accuracy standards in how we retrieve, process, and display air quality information:

  • No Data Modification: AQI values and pollutant concentrations are displayed exactly as reported by EPA monitoring stations. We do not adjust, estimate, or extrapolate measurements.
  • Standard AQI Calculation: All Air Quality Index values use the EPA standard AQI calculation methodology. AQI categories (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, etc.) follow official EPA definitions.
  • Geographic Accuracy: Data is attributed to the nearest monitoring station. We clearly indicate when data represents a broader area average versus a specific monitoring location.
  • Pollutant Specificity: When displaying individual pollutant data (PM2.5, Ozone, NO2, etc.), we include the measurement units and clarify which pollutant is driving the overall AQI.
  • Quality Audits: We periodically audit our displayed values against source EPA data to verify accuracy throughout our data pipeline.

Health Guidance Standards

Health recommendations on US Air Quality are based exclusively on official EPA guidance:

EPA AQI Guidelines

All health messages and activity recommendations correspond directly to EPA guidance for each AQI category. We do not create our own health recommendations.

Sensitive Groups

Information about sensitive populations (children, elderly, people with respiratory or heart conditions) reflects official EPA definitions and guidance.

No Medical Claims

We present EPA health guidance for informational purposes. We do not diagnose conditions or provide personalized medical recommendations.

Content Updates

Educational health content is reviewed quarterly to ensure alignment with current EPA guidelines and scientific understanding.

Important Limitations

Users should understand the inherent limitations of air quality monitoring data:

  • Monitor Location: Air quality data comes from fixed monitoring stations. Actual air quality at your specific location may differ due to local emission sources, terrain, and weather patterns.
  • Coverage Gaps: Not all areas have nearby air quality monitors. Rural areas may have limited or no monitoring coverage.
  • Rapidly Changing Conditions: During wildfires or weather events, air quality can change quickly. Real-time conditions may differ from the most recent hourly reading.
  • Forecast Uncertainty: Air quality forecasts are predictions based on weather models and historical patterns. Actual future conditions may differ.
  • Individual Sensitivity: People vary in their sensitivity to air pollution. Some individuals may experience effects at pollution levels considered safe for the general population.

Corrections Policy

We are committed to promptly correcting errors:

  • Data Errors: If our displayed values differ from source EPA data due to processing errors, we correct immediately upon discovery.
  • Content Errors: Factual errors in educational content are corrected with notation of the correction date.
  • Error Reporting: Users can report suspected errors through our contact page. We investigate all reports and respond within 2 business days.

Editorial Independence

US Air Quality maintains complete editorial independence:

  • We do not accept payment to modify data presentation or feature specific locations.
  • Advertising does not influence our data, health guidance, or editorial content.
  • We have no affiliations with air purifier manufacturers, HVAC companies, or related commercial interests that could create conflicts.
  • Affiliate relationships (air purifiers, masks) are clearly disclosed and never influence our data presentation.

Health Disclaimer

The air quality information on US Air Quality is provided for general informational purposes based on EPA data and guidance. It is not intended as medical advice and should not replace professional medical consultation.

If you have respiratory conditions, heart disease, or other health concerns, please consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance on how air quality may affect you.

For the most authoritative and up-to-the-minute air quality information, we recommend visiting AirNow.gov directly.

Questions about our data or editorial standards? Contact us or learn more on our About page.

Last updated: April 2026