<p>Accessing real-time air quality report of any city across the country or the globe is now just a tap away. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Smokey, an interactive and friendly chatbot on Facebook, helps one know air pollution levels and suggests ways to protect oneself by suggesting certain air purifiers or indoor plants that improve indoor air quality. <br /><br />Rising air pollution levels and resulting health problems prompted Amrit Sharma, an alumnus of Hamline University, Minnesota, US, to develop a chatbot that could answer questions on air quality – anytime and anywhere. <br /><br />“When I moved to Delhi after a decade in Minneapolis, I was appalled at the air pollution levels here last winter. My complaints went in vain. And then, it struck me that when there are thousands of weather apps, there are hardly any for air quality. Thus, I started working on the project and in August, it was launched,” said Sharma.<br /><br />He said ‘Smokey: Air Quality Bot’ can be accessed via Facebook Messenger and works on all platforms like Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows, Mac, PC and Linux.<br /><br />Explaining how it works, Sharma said: “By clicking on the link http://m.me/smokeybot, one can interact with the bot and access the air quality report. The report, that includes NO2 levels, real-time weather and wind report, will be sent to the user every morning at 7. The report is based on various government inputs, air quality stations and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.”<br /><br />“The chatbot, also called chatter robot, is being used by asthma patients, working professionals, busy parents and climatologists. At present, we have users from more than 30 cities in the country including Bengaluru,” added Sharma. <br /><br />He plans to extend the project to other popular platforms like Twitter too. <br /><br />“Also, Smokey will support worldwide languages, including 11 local languages in India,” he added. <em>‘Bengaluru air quality poor’ <br />According to Smokey, the air quality in Bengaluru is poor with NO2 levels touching 39.93 parts per million (PPM). NO2 pollutes the air mainly as a result of road traffic and energy production. Long-term exposure to NO2 may decrease lung function and cause other health problems, too. </em><br /></p>
<p>Accessing real-time air quality report of any city across the country or the globe is now just a tap away. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Smokey, an interactive and friendly chatbot on Facebook, helps one know air pollution levels and suggests ways to protect oneself by suggesting certain air purifiers or indoor plants that improve indoor air quality. <br /><br />Rising air pollution levels and resulting health problems prompted Amrit Sharma, an alumnus of Hamline University, Minnesota, US, to develop a chatbot that could answer questions on air quality – anytime and anywhere. <br /><br />“When I moved to Delhi after a decade in Minneapolis, I was appalled at the air pollution levels here last winter. My complaints went in vain. And then, it struck me that when there are thousands of weather apps, there are hardly any for air quality. Thus, I started working on the project and in August, it was launched,” said Sharma.<br /><br />He said ‘Smokey: Air Quality Bot’ can be accessed via Facebook Messenger and works on all platforms like Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows, Mac, PC and Linux.<br /><br />Explaining how it works, Sharma said: “By clicking on the link http://m.me/smokeybot, one can interact with the bot and access the air quality report. The report, that includes NO2 levels, real-time weather and wind report, will be sent to the user every morning at 7. The report is based on various government inputs, air quality stations and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.”<br /><br />“The chatbot, also called chatter robot, is being used by asthma patients, working professionals, busy parents and climatologists. At present, we have users from more than 30 cities in the country including Bengaluru,” added Sharma. <br /><br />He plans to extend the project to other popular platforms like Twitter too. <br /><br />“Also, Smokey will support worldwide languages, including 11 local languages in India,” he added. <em>‘Bengaluru air quality poor’ <br />According to Smokey, the air quality in Bengaluru is poor with NO2 levels touching 39.93 parts per million (PPM). NO2 pollutes the air mainly as a result of road traffic and energy production. Long-term exposure to NO2 may decrease lung function and cause other health problems, too. </em><br /></p>
