What is the NowPatient Air Quality Monitor?
The Air Quality Monitor is a free tool that tracks real-time air quality in your area and sends you personalised clinical warnings based on the air quality in your location and your pre-existing health conditions.
Using data from on-ground sensors, remote satellite imagery, and a global proprietary sensor network, it provides live Air Quality Index (AQI) readings and targeted health alerts calibrated to your specific conditions.
Is the Air Quality Monitor free?
Yes. The Air Quality Monitor is a free service available to all registered NowPatient users.
Is the Air Quality Monitor a medical device?
Yes. The Air Quality Monitor is classified as a Class I medical device under UK MDR 2002 regulations for its intended use.
Why does air quality matter for my health?
Exposure to air pollution — which contains harmful particles and gases — can trigger a range of immediate health effects including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
It can also worsen existing conditions such as asthma and allergies, causing coughing and wheezing. Long-term exposure is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Where do I find the Air Quality Monitor in my account?
The Air Quality Monitor Service Card is located in the ‘Personalised Insights’ section of your account homepage. If you have not used it before, the card will be locked — tap the ‘Unlock’ icon to set it up.
How do I set up the Air Quality Monitor?
To activate the Air Quality Monitor:
Open the Air Quality Monitor Service Card in the ‘Personalised Insights’ section and tap the ‘Unlock’ icon
You will be taken to your health profile page — update it with your health conditions and tap Save
Enable location services on your device when prompted
The Service Card will now activate and begin sending personalised air quality warnings based on your location and health conditions
Why do I need to complete my health profile?
Your health profile is how the Air Quality Monitor knows which conditions to monitor for. Without a completed health profile, the tool cannot send you personalised clinical warnings — only generic readings. To receive targeted alerts relevant to your specific conditions, you must update your profile with your health conditions and save.
Why does the Air Quality Monitor need access to my location?
Location access is required so the monitor can retrieve accurate, real-time air quality data for your specific area. When you activate the Service Card for the first time, you will be prompted to allow the service to access your current location. Please ensure you enable this.
How often are Air Quality readings updated?
Air quality readings are refreshed each day, giving you up-to-date information about the air quality in your area.
Who is considered at risk from poor air quality?
At-risk groups are defined as adults and children with heart or lung problems, who are at greater risk of experiencing symptoms. Follow your doctor’s usual advice about exercising and managing your condition. It is also possible that very sensitive individuals may experience health effects even on good Air Quality days — anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical advice.
Which conditions are monitored as part of the warning notifications?
The following conditions are classified as at-risk for sensitivity to air quality:
Allergies
Asthma
Atrial Fibrillation
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Coronary Heart Disease
Heart Attack
Heart Failure
Unstable Angina
How will I receive personalised air quality warnings?
If the AI algorithm identifies a risk based on local air quality and your health conditions, you will receive:
A push notification with clinical advice sent directly to your device
An In-App notification viewable in the ‘Notifications’ section of your account homepage
You can also view any warning advisory at any time by selecting the ‘View Warning’ button on the Air Quality Monitor Service Card.
What advice will I receive in a warning notification?
The advice in each warning is tailored to your health conditions and the current AQI level in your area. For example, at moderate AQI levels, at-risk individuals with lung or heart problems who experience symptoms may be advised to reduce strenuous physical activity outdoors. At hazardous levels, at-risk individuals may be advised to avoid strenuous physical activity altogether. See the AQI table below for the full guidance at each level.
When should I see a doctor about air quality-related symptoms?
[REVIEW: Original text referenced ‘pollen count’ here — this appears to be a copy error. The symptom triggers below relate to air quality.] If you have asthma, allergies, COPD, or bronchitis and the air quality is at a concerning level, make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the following:
Feeling wheezy
Feeling breathless
A tight feeling in your chest
Coughing more than usual
Needing to use your reliever inhaler (usually blue) three times a week or more (if you have asthma)
What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardised scale used to communicate how clean or polluted the air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern. The AQI runs from 0 to 301 and above, and is divided into six categories — each with a colour code, a health concern level, and recommended actions for both at-risk individuals and the general population.
What are the six AQI categories and what do they mean for my health?
The table below sets out the six AQI categories, their index ranges, and the corresponding health guidance:
Colour & Level | AQI Range | UK Advice: At-Risk Individuals | UK Advice: General Population |
Green — Good | 0–50 | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities |
Yellow — Moderate | 51–100 | Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities |
Orange — Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | 101–150 | Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities |
Red — Unhealthy | 151–200 | Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems should consider reducing strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion | Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors |
Purple — Very Unhealthy | 201–300 | Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems should consider reducing strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion | Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors |
Maroon — Hazardous | 301+ | Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often | Reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat |
Where does NowPatient get its air quality data from?
NowPatient harnesses the power of on-ground sensors, remote satellite imagery, and a global proprietary sensor network to gather credible air quality data from multiple sources. This multi-source approach ensures the readings you receive are accurate and reliable.
Can I rely on the air quality data?
Yes. Air quality readings are drawn from multiple credible data sources including on-ground sensors, satellites, and a global proprietary sensor network. Readings are refreshed daily to give you current information about the air quality in your area.