Air quality app to help you plan outdoor trips in UAE

Abu Dhabi - The app, available in English and Arabic, provides live air quality information.

A mobile application that can alert people about the air quality before they venture into outdoor activities has been introduced in the capital.
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) said that it has made live air quality data available to residents of Abu Dhabi through a free smartphone/tablet application called Plume Air Report.
The app, developed by Plume Labs, helps residents learn more about the air quality in the emirate, in order to better plan for their outdoor activities.
The app, available in English and Arabic, provides live air quality information, forecasts and alerts for all major cities across the world, including Abu Dhabi.
Ahmed Baharoon, executive director of the environmental information, science and outreach management sector at the EAD, said: "Through this app, our goal is to make data more accessible to inform and empower the community to better understand air quality, and better plan outdoor activities based on the quality of air."
Sheikha Al Hosani, executive director of the environment quality sector at the EAD, said: "The main challenge with Abu Dhabi's air quality has always been the desert nature and the repeated sand storms that occur during certain seasons of the year. All other pollutants we monitor are within global standards.
"When these dust storms occur, they can trigger respiratory distress from asthmatic attacks or reactive airway disease, particularly if one is not prepared in advance. This is particularly relevant for populations at risk, including children, the elderly, and those who are ill. While asthma could be chronic, by properly monitoring and managing it, people can enjoy a good quality of life.
"We have been monitoring and assessing air quality since 2007 through an extensive network of 20 stationary and two mobile stations set up across the emirate.
"This data, collected on a minute-by-minute basis, has helped us to have an accurate and comprehensive understanding of air quality in Abu Dhabi. It has helped us determine the sources of air pollutants which, in turn, has helped us develop programmes to decrease pollution." The app is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com