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EPA, Shanghai AirNow International Provides Real-Time Air Quality Information

Release Date: 10/13/2010
Contact Information: Stacy Kika (News Media only), [email protected], 202-564-0906, 202-564-5355

WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson visited the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai today to observe the success of AirNow International. AirNow International launched in May by EPA and the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB), gives real-time air quality information to Shanghai citizens through the Internet.

"The AirNow International project is one of the many success stories in our bilateral partnership. With EPA's collaboration, Shanghai is moving in the right direction to improve its air quality and inform the public about health concerns," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "This is a great way for individuals to become environmental stewards and take the necessary steps to ensure that the air they breathe, and their children breathe, is clean and healthy."

AirNow International was built on Shanghai’s existing air quality monitoring network and capability in analyzing air quality data. With EPA’s technical assistance, Shanghai now has the capacity to begin reporting air quality data to the public as soon as it becomes available.

EPA and China's air quality collaboration includes advanced air quality modeling to better understand air pollution sources and to reduce emissions from vehicles, power plants and other industries. The two countries also are working together to address issues related to climate change, water, toxics, solid and hazardous wastes, and environmental governance.

At home, EPA’s AirNow program provides air quality forecasts and real-time data for nearly 400 U.S. cities.

More information on AirNow International: http://www.airnow.gov

More information about the EPA’s work with China: https://www.epa.gov/international/regions/Asia/index.html

More information about Administrator Jackson’s mission in China: https://www.epa.gov/international/chinamission.html

More information about EPA’s International Priorities: https://www.epa.gov/international/topsix.html