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| Google's Nest Hub warns you of nearby pollution |
Google is adding air quality data to its Nest Hub smart display. Although the new feature is only available in select US markets, some users can see how exposed they are to smog and pollution in the area.
The company announced that it will bring new features to the market in the coming weeks. An air quality icon appears on the Nest Hub Environment screen.
It can be seen next to the clock and weather widget. If you don't want to see the badge, you can also unsubscribe.
The data comes from the Environmental Protection Agency, which rates air quality from 0 to 500, with zero being the best air quality.
They also divided their ratings into categories by color, from good to unsafe air quality.
The EPA calculates risks by assessing five major pollutants: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, smog and particulate matter (including smog).
In the past month, smoke from western wildfires has spread across the country.
New York state was issuing health advisories in July when the Oregon wildfire released thick smoke thousands of kilometers away.
When new Google air quality features become available, the Nest Hub will alert you when air pollution has reached unhealthy or unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.
The Nest Hub also responds to voice commands: What is the air quality near me? EPA air quality data is readily available. Even if you don't have a Nest Hub or new features aren't available in your area.
Google's Nest Hub warns you of nearby pollution
The Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow website allows users to log into their location to receive an assessment of air quality in the area.
There is also an EPA Fire and Smoke Map that includes wildfire smoke visualizations.
The Environmental Protection Agency has a network of thousands of air quality sensors across the country. But it doesn't always capture everything.
Therefore, the sensors are expensive to use and can be separated from each other. As a result, higher pollution levels can be lost in some areas.
A Reuters investigation found that in the past, a large amount of toxic emissions were lost when equipment malfunctioned or was no longer used.