Scientific foundation
Why heat, air pollution and activity belong together
FerryWellCo draws on research into air pollution, heat and health. We use that foundation to decide which outdoor conditions are relevant to a planned activity and how to present them clearly.
Air pollution is more than one number
Air pollution includes particles and gases. PM2.5 describes very small airborne particles. Nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone are different pollutants with different sources and patterns. A general air-quality reading can be useful, while the individual pollutants help explain what is happening.
Read WHO on air pollution ↗Temperature does not tell the whole heat story
Humidity, wind and direct sun all affect how the body releases heat. The activity matters too: a walk and a hard run put different demands on the body. That is why we consider the plan alongside the conditions.
Read WHO on heat ↗Pollen is a separate outdoor condition
Pollen is an airborne allergen rather than an air pollutant. Its levels and relevance vary by season and place. For some people, it is a useful part of the picture when choosing when to spend time outdoors.
Read the European pollen overview ↗The activity gives the information a purpose
A nowcast estimates current conditions; a forecast describes what may happen next. The GOTime example puts those estimates beside a planned place, time and activity, then compares available options. The short answer belongs in the planning flow, with the underlying conditions visible for anyone who wants more detail.
Read WHO on activity and air pollution ↗See it in context
From research to a planning comparison
The GOTime example shows how heat and air-quality information can sit beside a planned activity in an outdoor app.
Explore GOTime ↗