The Application of Air Quality Sensors to Monitor Air Pollution in Communities
Air pollution poses a significant threat to public health, with poor air quality linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Disadvantaged communities (DACs) are often disproportionately affected, leading to health disparities. Monitoring air quality is crucial to understanding these impacts and developing effective mitigation strategies. While traditional regulatory monitors provide important data, emerging air quality sensors (AQS) offer more localized information. This report examines the importance of monitoring air quality in communities, the categories and performance of AQS, and guidelines for selecting monitoring sites. DACs and Vulnerable Roadway Users (VRUs) experience higher exposure, emphasizing the need for equitable monitoring efforts. The use of AQS can enhance spatial resolution and community engagement. AQS categories include stationary, portable, and wearable sensors, each with unique advantages. While AQS accuracy varies, field testing and proper calibration are important. Guidelines for selecting monitoring sites include proximity to pollution sources, consideration of meteorological conditions, spatial coverage optimization, and equity concerns. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Enhanced Air Sensor Guidebook can be referenced to aid in sensor selection and usage. Monitoring air quality and using AQS strategically can empower communities, drive policy changes, and contribute to healthier, more equitable environments.
- Record URL:
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Completed
- Funding: $50000
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Contract Numbers:
69A3551747128
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Center for Advanced Researchh in Transportation Emissionss, Energy and Health
Texas A&M Transportation Instiitute
College Station, Texas United States 77843 -
Project Managers:
Vallamsundar, Suriya
Johnson, Jeremy
Ettelman, Benjamin
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Performing Organizations:
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Texas A&M University System
3135 TAMU
College Station, TX United States 77843-3135 -
Principal Investigators:
Vallamsundar, Suriya
- Start Date: 20210101
- Expected Completion Date: 20230131
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
- Source Data: 05-36-TTI
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Air pollution; Air quality; Data collection; Particulates; Pedestrians; Routes; Sensors; Weather conditions
- Geographic Terms: College Station (Texas)
- Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Environment; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01762531
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health
- Contract Numbers: 69A3551747128
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Jan 22 2021 5:44PM