Victoria air quality map

What information about air quality is available on the air pollution map for Victoria Topaz?

The air pollution map for Victoria Topaz can easily be accessed from the main city page. At the top of this main site is the map icon which, on selection, will open a new page dedicated to all information regarding air quality.

The map itself is very striking with bright colours to attract the eye. These colours actually reflect the current air quality so the green colour that is currently seen represents “Good” air quality.

There are also several coloured discs which show the positions of the ground-level air monitoring stations. Their colour also reflects the air quality in that specific area of the city. These separate discs can all be explored individually if an area is of special interest. There is a number in the centre of each circle which is the United States Air Quality Index number or US AQI for short. This is calculated by measuring up to six of the most prolific air pollutants found in city air. They are usually, but not limited to both sizes of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone and carbon monoxide. Once calculated it is used as a metric when comparing air quality in other cities. It is fully endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Looking back at the main page, it can be seen that in November 2022, Victoria Topaz was enjoying a period of “Good” air quality with a US AQI reading of 39. The main pollutant measured was PM2.5 with a recorded level of 9.5 µg/m³. At this level, it is almost twice the suggested target figure of 5 µg/m³ as recommended by the WHO.

Just below the air pollution map for Victoria Topaz can be seen the total number of contributors and also the number of stations there is that supply the data. Currently, there are six contributors who supply and operate six stations. One is operated by the government whilst the other five are operated by entities that wish to remain anonymous.

Are areas of higher pollution levels shown on the air pollution map for Victoria Topaz?

Areas of higher pollution can be seen on the air pollution map for Victoria Topaz by looking for the discs with the highest numbers and/or darkest colours. But perhaps the easiest way of finding these areas is to scroll down beneath the map where a list will be seen that ranks all the stations according to their levels of pollution. The most polluted station will be at the top of the list with the highest US AQI number. Currently, this is the station at FernwoodNRG which is displaying a reading of 55. This would be classified as being “Moderate”.

Below this list is another which ranks the stations in order of their popularity. The most popular one currently is at Victoria Topaz 1 with almost 8,000 regular followers.

What other interesting information can be seen on the air pollution map for Victoria Topaz?

There is more interesting information on the air pollution map for Victoria Topaz, but in order to see it all, the page needs to be viewed in full-screen mode. The icon to choose this option can be found at the top right of the screen.

Once viewed in this way, a list of four choices will be seen on the left-hand side of the screen. The first option shows the location of all the air monitoring stations in and around that vicinity. Each station can be selected individually whereupon a new page will open which is dedicated to that specific area.

The next option shows the location of any wildfires that might be burning in the locality. Currently, there are no such icons on the map. If there were then option four needs to be looked at because it shows the speed and direction of the prevailing winds and would therefore give a good indication as to where the smoke will blow.

The third option is a direct indication of the state of the air quality in that it colours the background of the map in accordance with the level of pollution. The current colour is an approximation and can be interpreted as being “Good”/” Moderate” quality. If some viewers find the colour distracting, it can be turned off and the map will then take on a standard colour scheme.

More data can be seen on the right-hand side of the screen in the form of a table which shows world cities listed according to their level of air pollution. In the snapshot version there are only seven cities listed but the page can be expanded to include the rest of the world cities.

Can the source of the polluted air be seen on the air pollution map for Victoria Topaz?

The source of the polluted air is not shown directly on the air pollution map for Victoria Topaz, however, petrol and diesel engines of cars, ships, trains and other vehicles emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter (PM), sulphur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. Friction from tyres and brake wear also creates primary i.e., direct particulate matter emissions. In addition, the nitrogen dioxide and VOCs released by road vehicles also undergo photochemical reactions to form ozone.

The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and oil in industrial processes in power plants, refineries, and factories releases a variety of pollutants, the majority of which are identical to those emitted by traffic and mobility. On top of this, chemical processes and volatile industry by-products also cause VOC emissions.

PM2.5 is used as a benchmark on the air pollution map for Victoria Topaz, but what is it?

The particles called PM2.5 are particles whose diameter is 2.5 microns (μm). Like all particles, they are made up of a mixture of different chemical compounds. They are emitted mainly during the combustion process or formed by chemical reactions from precursor gases present in the atmosphere under the influence of sunlight.

At concentrations to which most urban and rural populations in developed and developing countries are exposed, particulates have adverse health effects. Chronic exposure contributes to increasing the risk of contracting cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as lung cancers. Health effects are dependent on particle size. Fine particles, less than 2.5 µm, have a long-term impact on cardiovascular health. PM2.5 particles from road traffic also affect neurological health (cognitive performance) and perinatal health.