About CALs
Community Air-Quality Levels (CALs) are used to describe air quality in terms of how harmful the level of particulate matter (PM) pollution in the air is to human health. The CALs are derived using similar methods as EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI).
You should use both IVAN Air Monitoring and government air data to understand the air quality levels around you. When comparing health recommendations from both sources, you should follow the most health protective recommendation.
*Sensitive groups include children, teens, older adults, pregnant women, and people with heart, lung, or other chronic diseases
Disclaimer
When using this information, please note the following:
- In order to provide air quality information in real time, the data presented on this website are not validated or verified
- The air quality levels are for particulate matter (PM) only. Other air pollutants, such as ozone, may be present, even when PM levels are low.
- These data do not come from regulatory monitors and cannot be used to infer violations of the law
- Data on this website should be considered preliminary and used with discretion
Learn more about our monitor validation process, how to use the data on this website, and how to compare the data with government
More info
View the Air Monitoring Q&A for more information on the following topics:
Government air data
Air quality data for the Bay Area is currently reported by government regulatory air monitors which can be found at https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/current-air-quality
Data reported by IVAN Air Monitoring and by government monitors should both be used to better understand air quality levels near you. There are differences in how these data are collected, such as the locations monitored, the equipment used, and pollutants measured. Therefore, differences in reported air data are expected. When considering how to best protect your health, we recommended you consider multiple sources of air quality data and follow the most health protective recommendations.
Visit the Air Monitoring FAQs for more information about how our data compares with government data.
Report an air problem
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Step 1. Report to Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).
Call 1-800-334-ODOR (6367) as son as you notice a problem with air quality. Their website also offers an opportunity to submit an online complaint and lists additional complaints that are outside of their jurisdiction they may not be able to respond to.
Step 2. Report on IVAN.
After contacting BAAQMD, we recommend that you also submit a record of the problem here on BVHP- IVAN, including a note that BAAQMD has been contacted. This ensures that the Environmental Justice Task Force is aware of the complaint and that the complaint is documented on the BVHP-IVAN website.