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Sensitive land uses

AirScape identifies locations where air quality matters most — places where vulnerable populations spend significant time. These "sensitive land uses" include schools, hospitals, care homes, parks, and sports facilities.

Who is most vulnerable?​

Certain groups are more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution:

  • Children: Developing lungs are more easily damaged; children breathe faster and are more active outdoors
  • Elderly: Age-related decline in lung function increases vulnerability
  • People with respiratory conditions: Asthma, COPD, and other conditions are aggravated by pollution
  • People with heart disease: Air pollution increases cardiovascular stress
  • Pregnant women: Pollution exposure can affect fetal development

Types of sensitive locations​

Schools and childcare​

Children spend hours each day at school, often with outdoor play and sports. Schools near busy roads or industrial areas may expose children to harmful pollution levels.

Healthcare facilities​

Hospitals, clinics, and care homes house people already dealing with health challenges. Poor air quality can worsen conditions and slow recovery.

Parks and recreation areas​

Although exercise has clear health benefits, aerobic activity in polluted air can be harmful. Breathing harder and deeper during exercise means inhaling more pollutants directly into your lungs.

Sports facilities​

Athletes training outdoors may be exposed to high pollution levels, especially during afternoon hours when pollution often peaks.

Using AirScape for sensitive locations​

  • Save sensitive locations to your My Places for quick monitoring
  • Check air quality before activities: Plan outdoor time when pollution is lower
  • Understand patterns: Air pollution tends to be highest near midday and in the afternoon
  • Compare alternatives: Find parks or routes with better air quality

Planning around pollution​

Tips for protecting vulnerable people:

  1. Check AirScape before outdoor activities
  2. Schedule exercise for early morning when pollution is typically lower
  3. Avoid busy roads during rush hours
  4. Choose parks and green spaces away from traffic
  5. Stay indoors during high pollution alerts