Environmental Services Program
Air Quality Monitoring
Decisions involving the health of Missourians and the state's economy are based on air quality data. Accurate data is essential. Air monitoring data available on the Internet includes:
- Historical averages (graphs updated monthly, rest updated quarterly on a four month delay).
- Current criteria pollutant levels (Updated seven days a week on an hourly basis).
- Current Air Quality Index report (Updated seven days a week on an hourly basis).
- Air pollution maps for ozone and particulate matter through the EPA AIRNOW website.
- Pollution camera views are current pictures from cameras in St. Louis and Kansas City.
Staff in the Air Quality Assurance Unit audit the instruments in the statewide monitoring network and certain air monitors operated by private industry. Staff evaluate all procedures and documentation related to the collection of air quality data including maintenance and calibration of instruments and the precision and accuracy of monitoring data.
Staff in the Air Quality Monitoring Section operate a variety of instruments at many locations around the state as part of a network to monitor air pollutants known to affect people's health. In addition, staff conduct special air quality studies.
The data from air instruments may be used:
|To determine whether the public is being exposed to unhealthy conditions.||To investigate citizen complaints.|
|To determine the source of air pollution problems.||To identify air pollution trends.|
|To determine whether an area meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.|
Air pollution data provides more information.