Massachusetts to Double Community-Based Air Quality Sensors
Massachusetts to Double Community-Based Air Quality Sensors Government Technology
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The state’s Department of Environmental Protection will dedicate new funding to nearly double the number of PurpleAir sensors being deployed in communities to detect fine particulate matter.
Introduction
The state of Massachusetts is taking steps to improve air quality in its communities by increasing the deployment of PurpleAir sensors. These sensors will help detect fine particulate matter, a major contributor to air pollution. The Department of Environmental Protection plans to distribute 202 additional sensors, in addition to the 248 already deployed in 2021.
Background
Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiopulmonary illnesses. To address this issue, Massachusetts has established the Particulate Matter Air Sensor Grant Program. Through this program, PurpleAir sensors are installed by various organizations and communities at no cost. These sensors provide real-time data on air quality, allowing for a more granular understanding of pollution levels.
Community Involvement
The deployment of PurpleAir sensors empowers communities to actively monitor their air quality. Citizen scientists can also purchase and install their own sensors, contributing to an interactive map that compiles readings from across the state. This data helps identify areas with elevated PM2.5 levels and informs decision-making regarding air pollution sources.
Environmental Justice Communities
The initiative also focuses on environmental justice communities, which have historically been disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards. These communities, defined by state law, have lower median household incomes, higher percentages of minority residents, and higher percentages of foreign-born or non-English proficient individuals. By placing sensors in these communities, the state aims to address environmental disparities and ensure equitable access to clean air.
Impact and Future Plans
The data collected from PurpleAir sensors has already had a significant impact. During the Canadian wildfires, the sensors helped inform air quality alerts and messaging. In Chelsea, a city with long-standing pollution issues, PurpleAir sensor readings led to the establishment of a permanent air quality monitoring station. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection plans to continue expanding its community-based air quality monitoring efforts, including a pilot program with advanced technology sensors in environmental justice populations.
Conclusion
The doubling of PurpleAir sensors in Massachusetts demonstrates the state’s commitment to improving air quality and addressing environmental disparities. By actively involving communities in air quality monitoring, Massachusetts aims to create healthier and more sustainable environments for all residents.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of PurpleAir sensors deployed in communities to detect fine particulate matter.
- Data provided by permanent air monitoring stations located around the state that test for pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and fine particulate matter.
- Data from citizen scientists who purchase and install their own sensors and contribute to an interactive map.
- Number of environmental justice communities benefiting from the distribution of PurpleAir sensors.
- Number of actions taken based on data from PurpleAir sensors, such as air quality alerts, messaging, and setting up permanent air quality monitoring stations.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Number of PurpleAir sensors deployed in communities to detect fine particulate matter. – Data provided by permanent air monitoring stations located around the state that test for pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and fine particulate matter. – Data from citizen scientists who purchase and install their own sensors and contribute to an interactive map. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Number of PurpleAir sensors deployed in communities to detect fine particulate matter. – Data provided by permanent air monitoring stations located around the state that test for pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and fine particulate matter. – Data from citizen scientists who purchase and install their own sensors and contribute to an interactive map. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Number of PurpleAir sensors deployed in communities to detect fine particulate matter. – Data provided by permanent air monitoring stations located around the state that test for pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and fine particulate matter. – Data from citizen scientists who purchase and install their own sensors and contribute to an interactive map. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels. | – Number of environmental justice communities benefiting from the distribution of PurpleAir sensors. – Number of actions taken based on data from PurpleAir sensors, such as air quality alerts, messaging, and setting up permanent air quality monitoring stations. |
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Fuente: govtech.com
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