# EPA AirNow MCP > EPA AirNow gives your AI client access to official, real-time air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency. Check current pollutant levels—like Ozone and PM2.5—for any specific location using coordinates or a US ZIP code. It also predicts future environmental conditions, helping you determine if the local air is safe for breathing today, or what to expect over the next few days. ## Overview - **Category:** the-unthinkable - **Price:** Free - **Tags:** air-quality, environmental-monitoring, pollution-tracking, public-health, real-time-data, aqi ## Description Need to know what's actually in your backyard? This MCP connects your agent directly to EPA AirNow data. You can pull current readings on major pollutants like PM2.5 and Ozone, making it easy to determine if you should plan outdoor activities or take precautions. It works whether you give a precise set of coordinates or just a standard US ZIP code. But knowing the present isn't enough; this MCP also gives you regional forecasts. You can look ahead at future air quality conditions, letting communities and planners anticipate hazardous days before they hit. This capability is crucial for everything from organizing large outdoor events to managing health risks in high-pollution areas. By hosting this connection on Vinkius, we make deep environmental insights instantly available to any compatible AI client, turning complex government data into simple, actionable intelligence. ## Tools ### get_current_aqi_by_latlon Gets the real-time Air Quality Index observation using exact geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude). ### get_current_aqi_by_zip Retrieves the current, live Air Quality Index observation for any valid five-digit US ZIP code. ### get_forecast_aqi_by_zip Provides predicted air quality forecasts for future dates based on a given US ZIP code. ## Prompt Examples **Prompt:** ``` What is the current air quality index in Beverly Hills? ``` **Response:** ``` I've checked the latest observations for Beverly Hills. The current AQI is 45 (Good). It's a great day for outdoor activities without any health risks. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Will the air quality be safe for a marathon in Seattle tomorrow? ``` **Response:** ``` Let me check the AirNow forecast for Seattle tomorrow. The AQI is predicted to peak at around 55 (Moderate), largely due to PM2.5. It remains generally safe for the marathon, though unusually sensitive athletes should monitor how they feel. ``` **Prompt:** ``` Fetch the PM10 specific metrics for ZIP code 90210 safely via AirNow. ``` **Response:** ``` Retrieving specific pollutant values securely... **Area: Beverly Hills (90210)** - PM10 concentration reported optimally clear (AQI 22). Parameter checked actively and correctly without errors. ``` ## Capabilities ### Check current air quality by coordinates Retrieves the real-time Air Quality Index and pollutant levels using exact latitude and longitude. ### Check current air quality by ZIP code Gets the live AQI observation for a specific US five-digit postal code. ### Predict future air quality by ZIP code Looks ahead to provide predicted AQI forecasts for a given US ZIP code. ## Use Cases ### Assessing a new construction site's viability An environmental consultant needs to know the baseline pollution level before starting work. They ask their agent, 'What is the current air quality at 34.0522 N, 118.2437 W?' The agent uses `get_current_aqi_by_latlon` and returns a detailed pollutant report in seconds. ### Scheduling an outdoor festival The event organizer needs to know if the air will be safe for thousands of people next Saturday. They ask their agent, 'What is the AQI forecast for 90210 for next weekend?' The agent uses `get_forecast_aqi_by_zip` and gives them a clear warning about expected PM2.5 levels. ### Creating a public health dashboard A local government official needs to track pollution for their entire county's most populated areas. They tell their agent, 'Check the current AQI for 90001, 90210, and 90312.' The agent efficiently runs `get_current_aqi_by_zip` multiple times to build a comparative dashboard. ### Modeling wildfire smoke impact A researcher is studying the spread of pollutants. They need current data for a specific high-risk area and ask their agent to run `get_current_aqi_by_latlon` at the coordinates near the burn zone, getting instant metrics on dangerous particulates. ## Benefits - Know the actual air conditions immediately. Instead of general warnings, you get precise pollutant readings for any spot using `get_current_aqi_by_latlon` or `get_current_aqi_by_zip`. - Plan ahead with confidence. You can use `get_forecast_aqi_by_zip` to predict air quality weeks out, which is vital for organizing large community events or school activities. - Target data precisely. Whether you're working off a known postal code or need metrics for a specific GPS point, the MCP handles it without extra steps. - Avoid guesswork. This connection pulls directly from EPA sources, giving your agent trusted data on Ozone, PM2.5, and other critical pollutants. - Speed up risk assessment. You stop sifting through multiple government websites and get all necessary air metrics in one single API call. ## How It Works The bottom line is that it turns complex environmental science into simple, location-based data points your agent can use immediately. 1. You tell your agent the location you need data for, providing either a specific set of coordinates or a five-digit US ZIP code. 2. Your agent invokes the appropriate function within this MCP, sending the necessary geographic parameters to EPA AirNow's system. 3. The MCP returns structured data, giving you not just an overall AQI score, but detailed readings for individual pollutants like PM10 and Ozone. ## Frequently Asked Questions **What pollutants can I track using the EPA AirNow MCP?** The system monitors major air quality indicators including Ozone, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations. The data provides a comprehensive view of localized atmospheric safety. **Does get_current_aqi_by_zip work for any US ZIP code?** It requires a valid five-digit US ZIP Code to pull the most accurate, current air quality index observation for that specific area. **Can I use this MCP for historical pollution data?** No. This MCP is designed only for real-time and forecast data. For historical records, you would need a different type of data source or API. **How far in advance can I check forecasts with get_forecast_aqi_by_zip?** The service provides predictive AQI forecasts for multiple days based on the US ZIP code, allowing you to plan activities well ahead of time. **Do I need coordinates or a ZIP code for current readings?** You choose. You can use `get_current_aqi_by_zip` if you have the postal code, or `get_current_aqi_by_latlon` if you prefer using precise latitude and longitude.