What advantage does real-time air quality tracking provide?

Real-time air quality tracking significantly enhances public health responses by providing immediate and up-to-date information about pollution levels. This capability enables authorities and health officials to quickly assess the air quality in various locations and respond appropriately to protect public health. For example, if air quality deteriorates due to high levels of pollutants, timely alerts can be issued to vulnerable populations, such as those with respiratory conditions, potentially preventing health crises.

In contrast, options such as decreasing environmental regulations or reducing the need for monitoring do not reflect the primary purpose of real-time tracking. Monitoring is essential to understand air quality dynamics, and regulations would still need to be upheld regardless of monitoring improvements. Additionally, while real-time data might simplify some aspects of data analysis, the primary and most compelling advantage lies in the capability to respond rapidly to protect health and safety.