AT A GLANCE
State-level Air Quality Index (AQI) data for the United States, cleaned and processed for research use. Sourced from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this dataset enables analysis of spatial and temporal air quality patterns across all 50 states.
Key Highlights:
- Scope: State-level AQI readings across U.S. states and territories
- Source: U.S. EPA Air Quality System
- Variables: AQI values, pollutant concentrations, geographic identifiers
- Format: Cleaned and standardized for immediate analytical use
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Air Quality Index is a standardized indicator developed by the EPA to communicate current and forecasted air pollution levels. This cleaned version removes inconsistencies from the raw EPA data and standardizes variable formats for research applications.
Research Applications:
- Spatial and temporal trend analysis of air quality across states
- Correlations between air pollution and public health outcomes
- Environmental policy impact evaluation
- Cross-state comparative studies of pollution patterns
Subject Terms: air quality index, environmental health, pollution, public health, EPA, United States
SCOPE & METHODOLOGY
- Geographic Coverage: United States
- Smallest Geographic Unit: State
- Time Period: Multiple years (see data for specific range)
- Universe: U.S. states and territories with EPA monitoring stations
- Unit of Observation: State-level aggregate
- Data Type: Administrative records — environmental monitoring data
Data Collection: Original data sourced from the U.S. EPA Air Quality System. Cleaned and standardized for research use, with consistent variable formats and validated geographic identifiers.
CITATION
University of Maryland, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences [distributor]. Air Quality Data (Cleaned). BSOS Social Science Data Repository, 2026. https://bsos-data.umd.edu/dataset/air-quality-data-cleaned
FILES & DOCUMENTATION
Available:
- Air Quality Index by State (DataStore)
Planned Additions:
- Data Dictionary — AQI calculation methodology, pollutant breakpoints, variable definitions
- Codebook — Variable names, types, and value labels