A smart-device application introduced by the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) can now help residents in Abu Dhabi to plan their outdoor activities by providing real-time air quality data.

The application is completely free to install and use. It has been dubbed as Plume Air Report as the app has been developed by Plume Labs.

A press release issued by EAD on Monday, “The app helps residents learn more about the emirate’s air quality in order to better plan for their outdoor activities.”

Ahmed Baharoon, executive director of the Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management Sector at 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.”

Executive director of the Environment Quality Sector at EAD, Shaikha Al Hosani said, “The app will give accurate data about unhealthy sand and dust conditions.”

She further added, “The main challenge with Abu Dhabi’s air quality has always been the desert nature of the emirate 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 2 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, determine the sources of air pollutants, and develop programmes, plans and strategies to decrease pollution. The Plume Air Report app relies on data from this monitoring network,” Al Hosani said.

The Plume Air Report is available for download free on both iOS and Android platforms.