Monitoring Air Quality

Staff in the air quality monitoring section operate approximately 100 instruments at 33 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 an area meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, whether the public is being exposed to unhealthy conditions, to identify air pollution trends, to investigate citizen complaints and to determine the source of air pollution problems.

Certain air monitoring data is available on the Internet. This includes:

  1. Historical averages (updated monthly).
  2. Current criteria pollutant levels (From April 1 through October 31 this data is updated seven days a week on an hourly basis. From November 1 through March 31 the data is updated about four times a day).
  3. Current Air Quality Index report (From April 1 through October 31 this data is updated seven days a week on an hourly basis. From November 1 through March 31 the data is updated about four times a day).
  4. Missouri's daily ozone readings (From April 1 through October 31 this data is updated seven days a week on an hourly basis. From November 1 through March 31 the data is updated about four times a day).
  5. Air pollution maps for ozone and particulate matter through the EPA AIRNOW website.
  6. Pollution camera views, which are current pictures from cameras in St. Louis, Kansas City and near the Mingo Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Missouri.

Decisions involving the health of Missourians and the state's economy are based on air quality data. Because accurate data is essential, staff in the Air Quality Assurance Unit audit the 200 instruments in the statewide monitoring network as well as 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.

Here is a list of many other air pollution data Web sites available to the public.