10th International Aerosol Conference September 2 - September 7, 2018 America's Center Convention Complex St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Low-cost Particulate Matter Sensors: Developing, Piloting and Disseminating Appropriate Educational Resources to Support Community Use
Stefania Squizzato, Katrina Smith Korfmacher, Cait Fallone, Kathleen Gray, Dana Haine, John Prochaska, Diana Hernandez, Peggy Shephard, PHILIP K. HOPKE, University of Rochester Medical Center
Abstract Number: 1608 Working Group: Aerosol Education
Abstract A wide array of low-cost air quality sensors are available and have created opportunities for individuals and communities to monitor their exposure to a range of air pollutants (e.g., particulate matter, ozone). These sensors hold great promise for: enhancing environmental health literacy to promote behavior change that reduces exposure to air pollutants; enabling communities to investigate and document local sources of air pollution; and, supporting air quality focused citizen science and other environmental science education initiatives. However, users may not understand the resource requirements of various sensors, best practices for using the sensors to monitor their local environment, data uncertainties, and appropriate interpretation of results. This gap in knowledge may undermine effective use by individuals and communities. For example, users may mistakenly compare indoor air quality measurements and take action based on the recommendations outlined in the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) which only addresses outdoor air quality. Or users may overestimate the accuracy of sensor data, leading to frustration and mistrust when experts or agencies do not act on their findings. Better understanding of the potential and limitations of these sensors will help individuals and communities effectively use this new technology to better inform and promote actions that are protective of public health.
Low-cost air quality sensors have been used by citizen science, environmental justice and other non-governmental community groups to identify local sources of particulate matter and local patterns of ambient air pollution to inform public health action. Within the low-cost air quality sensor market, users are confronted with a range of sensors, each with different needs for and ability to access electricity, secure physical sites, Wi-Fi connectivity for downloading, etc. Similarly, in selecting a sensor, users may have different needs pertaining to pollutant(s) of interest, data accuracy, units, or reporting. Simply identifying the most accurate monitor, successfully capturing data, and providing platforms to share data with others does not adequately support community environmental health goals. Potential users need to understand the limitations of the technology (and resulting uncertainty) and the resource requirements of various sensors. They also need to know how to interpret their findings, especially in the context of the AQI.
The project presented here represents a collaboration between three National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Environmental Health Science Core Centers (University of Rochester, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and University of Texas Medical Branch) and their community partners (WEACT). The goal of the project presented here is to enhance users’ understanding of air pollution and available sensor technologies in order to enable them to effectively choose, use and interpret sensor data in order to meaningfully address their community’s public health concerns in three states (New York, North Carolina and Texas).
Specifically, this goal will be accomplished through (i) developing educational materials tailored to a community audience; (ii) evaluating the effectiveness of these educational materials by piloting them in four diverse communities and (iii) disseminating these materials through the NIEHS Partnerships for Environmental Public Health Network, along with other citizen science and environmental science education networks.
These educational materials will improve community stakeholders’ capacity to select, deploy, understand and communicate the results of low-cost particulate matter monitors. By increasing community users’ understanding of sensor technology, sources of uncertainty and how to interpret the results, our project will not only enhance the ability of communities to investigate and document local sources of air pollution but will also provide them with the resources to help them evaluate whether or not sensor use is appropriate in the context of their air quality concerns.