Health Information Portal (HIP)

Air Quality

Air quality is important to our health, and to the health of our environment. Learn how to protect yourself on days with poor air quality in the FAQ and resources below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does air pollution come from?

Air pollution comes from many sources, including industry, power generation, forest fires, home heating or cooking, and cars, trucks, and other vehicles. While air quality in Philly remains good on many days, weather patterns, fires, and other events can affect it.

Why is it important to measure air quality?

Air quality is important to our health, and to the health of our environment.

Some air pollutants impact different parts of the body over time, including the heart and lungs. People with health conditions like heart disease, asthma, or other breathing problems, may be more affected by poor air quality.

If a Breathe Philly air quality monitor shows unusual air pollution, the Health Department will investigate using the Mobile Monitoring System.

What is Breathe Philly?

Breathe Philly, the Health Department’s new air monitoring project, increases Philadelphia’s air monitoring capabilities and improves community access to air quality data.

The Health Department has installed 76 air quality monitors across the city to measure two common air pollutants, particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

• Particulate matter are tiny pieces of solids or liquids that can cause health risks
• Nitrogen dioxide is a gas that comes from burning fossil fuels and can cause respiratory issues.

These air quality monitors measure pollution hourly so you can see air quality where you live, work, or play using the Breathe Philly dashboard. Breathe Philly brings you real-time information about the air you and your family are breathing.

How can residents use the Breathe Philly dashboard?

The Breathe Philly dashboard is a one-stop shop for air quality information and data that all residents can use for research, education, or personal decision-making.

Breathe Philly empowers residents to check air quality near the places where they live, work, and play, anytime. Residents can also view data from any sensor across the city.

If air quality is poor, Breathe Philly can help you stay informed and protect your health. You can view air quality alerts and recommendations directly on the dashboard, from your computer or your mobile device.

• For example, on days with poor air quality, you may be advised to shorten or avoid outdoor exercise.

You can sign up for email alerts from any or all sensors to stay aware of changes in air quality.

For more information about air quality and air quality regulations in Philly, visit the Air Management Services website.

Air Quality Resources

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