Air

Air contaminants are particles, liquids, and gases in the air which have harmful chemical properties that affect our health.  There are many different compounds that may pollute our air at any given time or place.  Research suggests that air contaminants may exacerbate health conditions, like asthma.

To help further understand the impact of air contaminants on our health, the California Environmental Health Tracking Program (CEHTP) is providing data and information to help track air pollution in California.

Additional information about air quality is provided in the links below. To learn more, select a topic below or use the left side bar to navigate.

• What are Air Contaminants:  Air contaminants are particles, liquids, and gases which have harmful chemical properties that affect our health.  There are many different compounds that may pollute our air at any given time or place…more
• Ozone:  Ozone (O₃) is a gas that you cannot see or smell.  It occurs naturally and as a result of human activity.  It causes lung inflammation, damages lung tissue, decreases the capacity of our lungs, and may cause asthma…more
• Particulate Matter (PM):  Particulate matter (PM) pollution consists of solid and liquid particles in the air.  Fine particles known as PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 can penetrate deep in the lungs, creating health problems…more
• Traffic Pollutants:  Traffic pollutants are a group of air contaminants that are generated by cars and trucks. These include diesel particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)…more
• Air Quality Regulation:  In 1970, the Clean Air Act was signed into law. Under this law, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits on how much of a pollutant can be in the air anywhere in the United States…more
• Air Quality Monitoring:  ARB and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) use air monitor data to determine which areas meet state and national air quality standards…more
• Measures and Limitations:  Scientists have different strategies for calculating air pollution measures. Learn more about the how air quality is measured and some of the current limitations in using these data…more
• Where to Find Data:  For information about current daily air quality…more
• Air Resources
• Metadata / Data FAQs