AirNow
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
International
AirNow International
AirNow-lnternational (AirNow-l) is a stand-alone, international version of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency's real-time air quality data management and display system.
AirNow-l includes a suite of software for data processing, quality control methods, system
monitoring, and graphical output.
•	Helps decision makers communicate the connection between air pollution, health, and
sustainability goals, and to involve the public in efforts to improve air quality.
•	Promotes sustainable development by facilitating air quality management programs.
•	Supports better public health and environment around the world through air quality data
sharing and scientist to scientist knowledge exchange and cooperation.
•	Meets World Health Organization goals to raise public awareness, warn of pollution
episodes, and advise sensitive populations.
The new AirNow-l Community is creating a network of AirNow partners around the world to
expand the resources, expertise and tools for air quality information and forecasting. The
AirNow-l Community provides technical support to international entities that adopt the AirNow-l
system and enables effective collaboration among community.
How can my country or organization benefit from using the AirNow-l system?
•	Protect public health with air quality alerts when air pollution is high
•	AirNow-l can help determine the best air quality control measures for your region.
These could include:
o No-drive days and other traffic controls;
o Pedestrian friendly zones;
o Stationary source controls; and
o Fuel changes and clean energy
•	Link mega-event (e.g., Olympics) real-time air quality data collected through the AirNow-
I system with past trends to assess the effectiveness of control programs.
•	Post real-time traffic information and AirNow-l data to show links between traffic activity
and air quality
•	Create community carbon footprint indicators by linking real-time C02 data and traffic
activity
•	Demonstrate the co-benefits of air quality and climate change strategies by displaying
fuel consumption, traffic activity, and real-time air quality information from AIRNow-l to
relate greenhouse gases and air quality
•	Educate the public about air quality improvements over time from environmental
initiatives by comparing real-time air quality data to past trends and health standards
•	Distribute data feeds and products to decision-makers and the public
AirNow-l:

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How can I become an AirNow-l partner?
Participation options:
1.	Operating Partner - participates in operating AirNow-l
a.	Member of AirNow-l workgroup - decide on system improvements and changes
b.	Member of AirNow-l steering committee - decide direction of community, system
changes, establish strategic vision, etc.
2.	Data Sharing Partner - interested in providing or receiving data from an AIRNow-l
system
3.	Observers- organizations invited to share technical expertise
Process for joining:
1.	Operating Partner
a.	Scoping Trip
b.	CRADA, Memorandum of Understanding
2.	Data Sharing Partner
a. Data use agreement
3.	Observer
a. Provide contact information
What are potential funding mechanisms for AirNow-l?
US EPA is exploring "Cooperative Research and Development Agreements" or CRADAs. In the
United States, CRADAs are formal research and development agreements of specified duration
and scope between a government agency and colleagues from industry, academia, other
governments, or non-profit institutions.
US EPA funds the operation of the US AirNow system and its upgrades. The purpose of a
CRADA is to make available US Government facilities, intellectual property, and expertise for
collaborative interactions that lead to products that benefit public health. Under a CRADA, the
AirNow-l partner can receive a variety of benefits in addition to technical collaboration. A
CRADA provides international entities access to EPA materials, equipment, personnel and
contractor assistance.
What is the process of joining and participating in AirNow-l?
1.	Establish contacts with EPA and AirNow-l team.
2.	Jointly develop a plan of action for participation in the AirNow-l community and possible
implementation of the AirNow-l suite of software programs to meet specific needs.
3.	Formalize collaboration by establishing a CRADA or other funding mechanism.
4.	Begin to participate in the AirNow-l community.

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