EPA AirNow API

EPA AirNow API

AirNow publishes real-time and forecast US air-quality (AQI) data by zip code, lat/long or bounding box, plus RSS feeds and file products. A free AirNow API account and key are required: "An AirNow API account is required to access these services and feeds." The program "protects public health by providing forecast and real-time observed air quality information across the United States, Canada, and Mexico."

Coverage

The AirNow program provides "forecast and real-time observed air quality information across the United States, Canada, and Mexico." "In general, air quality observations are updated once per hour and forecasts are issued once per day."

Verdict

Real-time and forecast US air quality (AQI) by zip code, lat/long or bounding box, plus RSS feeds and file products, with a free key. Licensed Custom (AirNow Data Use Guidelines): "AirNow observational data are not fully verified or validated; these data are subject to change and should be considered preliminary." "As such, they should not be used to formulate or support regulation, ascertain trends, act as guidance, or support any other government or public decision-making." "Credit should first be given to the appropriate source—federal, state, local, and tribal air quality agencies and the EPA AirNow program—in products, publications, presentations, or any other related distribution." "Air quality data, forecast values, and advisory statements should not be altered in any way and should be disseminated as received." If observational data are used for analyses or products, "the analysis results, displays, or products must indicate that these data are preliminary." Commercial reuse: Not stated. Numeric rate limits: Not stated (per-service limits are behind login). Signal Lab links only.