Is your air quality better than your neighbour’s?
Ever wonder how much air quality can differ from one neighbourhood in your area to another? According to a new study by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC), the answer is a lot. Using a model based on artificial intelligence techniques, regional air quality readings and information about local geography, they measured very fine particulate matter in more than 250 Los Angeles neighbourhoods and communities. Their findings: air pollution levels differ dramatically across various areas in the county.
The study
The research, conducted by Crosstown, a joint project of several departments at USC, tracked measurements of very fine particulate matter. Breathing such tiny particles, which generally are emitted from vehicles and power plants, has been linked to everything from high rates of asthma and higher blood pressure to dementia. Specifically, researchers analyzed how many times fine particulate matter levels entered an unhealthy range for people, such as asthma sufferers and the elderly, who are especially sensitive to air quality.
Researchers analyzed hourly particulate matter levels in 251 neighbourhoods across L.A. County between November 2016 and October 2017. The data was then converted into the Air Quality Index, a scale created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to track healthy air levels.
The methodology
The Crosstown methodology aggregates hyperlocal air quality predictions from an artificial intelligence model developed by the Spatial Sciences Institute. It takes hourly readings of atmospheric particulate matter levels from the 12 reporting sites of the EPA and the South Coast Air Quality Management District located throughout L.A. County. That information is then run through a data mining engine, which accounts for the surrounding geographic context of every area in LA County, as well as information about factors such as road types.
The conclusion
Researchers learned that air pollution in certain neighbourhoods was significantly higher than in others. The levels in Chinatown, for example, were in a range considered unhealthy for sensitive groups at a whopping 147 times during the year studied. The area with the most hours of healthy air was Altadena, at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains.
What you can do
No matter where you live, it’s a good idea to pay attention to your local Air Quality Index and try to stay inside as much as you can if it’s high. To keep indoor air quality levels healthy, install a smart air purifier, like Coway Airmega, that can help eliminate the amount of particulate matter you might be breathing.
Disclaimers
1 Airmega air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander in the air based on KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing. They have been tested according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers. Tested with Airmega Aim, 50, 100, 150, Tower AP-1216L, Mighty AP-1512HH, MightyS AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, 230, 240, 250, 250S, 300, 300S, 350, 400, 400S, 450, ProX
2Our HEPA filter complies with IEST-RP-CC007 standards at speed level 1 as tested by SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance). SGS's test report only reflects SGS's evaluation of the sample and does not reflect the evaluation of the batch of goods from which the sample was taken. Tested with Airmega 100, 150, 160, Mighty AP-1512HH, MightyS AP-1512HHS, 200M, 230, 240, 250, 250S, 250 Art, 300, 300S, 350, 400, 400S, 450, ProX
3 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to JEM 1467: 2015 condition, the concentration of acetic acid was proven to be reduced up to 99.5% in 60 minutes. Results may vary depending on actual environment. Tested with Airmega 150, Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
4 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022, showed result of over 99.5% removal rate of common household gases including Ammonia, Acetaldehyde, Acetic acid, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Benzene, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) within 30 minutes. Results may vary in different environments and not all odors or gas particles may be removed. Tested with Airmega MightyS AP-1512HHS, 250S, 300S, 400S, 350, 450
5 Test conducted using Coway Allergen filter media (5×5 cm) placed in a polyethylene bag. The allergen solution and sample were immersed in 2 mL of phosphate buffer (100 ng/mL) prior to the reaction and heat-sealed to specimen size. The reaction was maintained at 4°C for 24 hours. Nichinichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. conducted the test using ELISA to measure allergen concentration. Results may vary in actual product usage environments. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
6 Removal rates of Ammonia (NH₃) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) were tested in a 1 m³ chamber under EL608:2023 conditions for 30 minutes. Gas Detector Tubes were used for measurement, and testing was conducted by KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories). Results may vary in actual product usage environments. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
7 Reduction rates of Naphthalene, Sulfur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide were tested using the Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH in 1㎥ chamber, following JEM-1467:2015 standards. Tests were conducted by Intertek. Actual performance may vary depending on the living environment. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
9 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022. The test was conducted with Methyl mercaptan, Isovaleraldehyde, Isovaleric acid in a 1.0±0.1 m³ chamber with a test time of 60 minutes at (24±4)°C and (46±10)% Relative Humidity. A removal ratio of over 99.5% was achieved. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
10 Tested by the Guangzhou Institute of Microbiology, exposed the filter media to protein solutions for 24 hours under ISO 4333-2022 standard. The results showed strong reduction performance: >99.79% for pollen, >99.60% for dog allergen, >99.90% for cat allergen, and >99.80% for dust mites matter allergen. Actual results may vary depending on room size, airflow, and pollutant levels. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
11 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022. The test was conducted in a 1.0±0.1 m³ chamber for 60 minutes at (24±4)°C and (46±10)% Relative Humidity. A removal ratio of >99.5% was achieved for Formaldehyde and Toluene in 60 minutes. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
12 Tested by Intertek. The evaluation was conducted against designated test materials: Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Naphthalene. The test was performed in a sealed 1.0×1.0×1.0 m (1.0 m³) odor chamber at a test room temperature of (23±2)°C (measured between 23.6∼23.9°C) and a test room humidity of (45±5)% R.H. (measured between 40∼48)% Relative Humidity. It met the odor removal rate of ≥99.9% for Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Naphthalene. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
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