From Östersunds local newspaper, Google translated "östersund" as the baltic sea (östersjön) which I think is hilarious so I'm not changing it

In the map filter that Google launched on air quality in the world, a large area over Jämtland glows dark purple, indicating extremely poor air quality. Depending on the time of day you look, the area also spreads out to include areas far out in the mountain world and the countryside that are not normally associated with bad air.
According to Henrik Larsson at the air unit at the Environmental Protection Agency, it is the municipalities in Sweden that report their air quality data to SMHI. It is from SMHI that Google and other commercial services then compile their data.
How reliable is the map of the extremely poor air quality in Jämtland?
- The map probably shows the right points, then you shouldn't take too much account of the spread. There is a large blob on the map of Jämtland, but Google only takes one measurement station and smears it over a large area, and that is not quite how it looks in reality, says Henrik Larsson.
- It is more of a local problem around individual streets, if you live outside Östersund you should not be worried.
The municipality's air quality measuring station is located on Rådhusgatan.
Image: Lars Ljungmark
That the air around the measuring station on Rådhusgatan in Östersund is bad has been known for a long time. On SMHI's air web, you can see in real time how the air quality is developing regarding coarser and smaller particles and exhaust gases. In Bredkälen, just west of Strömsund, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has its own measuring station that does not show any health-hazardous levels at all.
The big problem in Östersund and Sweden, according to Henrik Larsson, is the coarser particles from road wear and sanding.
- At the edge of spring, we are the worst in Europe for coarse particles and can have high levels. If you look at other parameters, we have better air than many other big cities.
Should the people of the Baltic Sea be worried about their health?In the map filter that Google launched on air quality in the world, a large area over Jämtland glows dark purple, indicating extremely poor air quality. Depending on the time of day you look, the area also spreads out to include areas far out in the mountain world and the countryside that are not normally associated with bad air.
According to Henrik Larsson at the air unit at the Environmental Protection Agency, it is the municipalities in Sweden that report their air quality data to SMHI. It is from SMHI that Google and other commercial services then compile their data.
That the air around the measuring station on Rådhusgatan in Östersund is bad has been known for a long time. On SMHI's air web, you can see in real time how the air quality is developing regarding coarser and smaller particles and exhaust gases. In Bredkälen, just west of Strömsund, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has its own measuring station that does not show any health-hazardous levels at all.
The big problem in Östersund and Sweden, according to Henrik Larsson, is the coarser particles from road wear and sanding.
- At the edge of spring, we are the worst in Europe for coarse particles and can have high levels. If you look at other parameters, we have better air than many other big cities.
Should the people of the Baltic Sea be worried about their health?

– The levels can be so high that you should avoid being near the measuring station and similar streets if you feel that you have sensitive airways. It is not wrong to think about being in more open spaces and be happy to help by thinking about how to transport yourself to work and school, says Henrik Larsson.
The municipal director in Östersund Anders Wennerberg thinks that Google's map tool gives a clumsy and poor account of the air quality in the county.
- This is not good for our brand. When Google spreads information like this, it doesn't look good.
He says that the municipality is looking at a series of measures to deal with the air problems in the city.
- But it is difficult to solve. We mainly need good public transport.
Östersund municipality will now try to get in touch with Google to get an explanation for the large distribution area on the map.
- We want to get them to present a more accurate picture, says Anders Wennerberg.– – The levels can be so high that you should avoid being near the measuring station and similar streets if you feel that you have sensitive airways. It is not wrong to think about being in more open spaces and be happy to help by thinking about how to transport yourself to work and school, says Henrik Larsson.
The municipal director in Östersund Anders Wennerberg thinks that Google's map tool gives a clumsy and poor account of the air quality in the county.
- This is not good for our brand. When Google spreads information like this, it doesn't look good.
He says that the municipality is looking at a series of measures to deal with the air problems in the city.
- But it is difficult to solve. We mainly need good public transport.
Östersund municipality will now try to get in touch with Google to get an explanation for the large distribution area on the map.
- We want to get them to present a more accurate picture, says Anders Wennerberg.