Philadelphia’s new ‘Breathe Philly’ network tracks air quality across the city – StateScoop

Philadelphia Launches ‘Breathe Philly’ Network to Monitor Air Quality Citywide

Introduction

Philadelphia has introduced a new air-quality monitoring system named the “Breathe Philly” network, consisting of 76 ground-level sensors strategically placed across the city. This initiative aims to provide residents with real-time, neighborhood-specific air quality data, supporting public health and environmental sustainability aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Network Features and Accessibility

1. The sensors measure fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, pollutants associated with asthma, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Residents can access data through an online dashboard, which displays trends over time and allows users to sign up for alerts when air quality deteriorates.
3. Every resident lives within 1.5 miles of a sensor, ensuring comprehensive coverage across neighborhoods.

Public Health and Economic Impact

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, poor air quality causes approximately 100,000 premature deaths annually in the United States and results in an estimated $150 billion in health-related costs.
• Mayor Cherelle Parker emphasized that clean air is fundamental to public health and the city’s vision for a cleaner, greener Philadelphia, reinforcing SDG 3 and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Existing Monitoring and Enhancements

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health previously operated a network of ten permanent air monitoring stations. However, these stations lacked real-time data capabilities and did not cover all neighborhoods adequately.

James Garrow, Deputy Health Commissioner, highlighted the importance of hyperlocal, real-time data to detect sudden changes caused by weather, wildfire smoke, or traffic patterns, which is crucial for timely public health responses.

Operational Benefits and Emergency Response

• The new sensor system has already demonstrated effectiveness by detecting an orange alert during a junkyard fire in the Gray’s Ferry neighborhood.
• Real-time data enables the health department to dispatch a mobile monitoring van equipped with toxic-air sensors to affected areas promptly.
• This rapid response capability supports SDG 3 by reducing exposure risks and enhancing community health protection.

Future Plans and Sustainability Goals

1. The city plans to expand the network by adding sensors to measure ozone levels starting in the spring, facilitating the identification of long-term pollution trends.
2. Data collected will inform future air quality regulations and urban planning, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
3. Continuous monitoring will help identify localized pollution sources and support targeted interventions to improve air quality.

Conclusion

Philadelphia’s ‘Breathe Philly’ network represents a significant advancement in environmental monitoring and public health protection. By providing accessible, real-time air quality data, the initiative aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, promoting healthier communities and sustainable urban environments.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses air quality monitoring to reduce respiratory illnesses, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases caused by air pollution.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The initiative aims to improve urban air quality and provide real-time data to residents, contributing to sustainable urban living.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Monitoring pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter helps address climate-related health impacts and pollution management.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The deployment of a network of sensors and real-time data platforms reflects innovation and infrastructure development for environmental monitoring.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • The article highlights efforts to reduce health impacts from air pollution by monitoring fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide.
2. SDG 11 – Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality.
   • The “Breathe Philly” network aims to improve air quality awareness and management at the neighborhood level.
3. SDG 13 – Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
   • Providing real-time air quality data and alerts increases public awareness and supports timely responses to pollution events.
4. SDG 9 – Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
   • The installation of 76 ground-level sensors and an online dashboard represents technological advancement in environmental monitoring.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels
   • The article mentions the city’s air quality index being healthy on most days and the use of real-time data to detect pollution spikes (e.g., orange alert for junkyard fire).
2. Concentration of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
   • The sensors measure these pollutants, which are linked to health issues, providing quantitative data to track pollution levels.
3. Coverage and Accessibility of Monitoring Stations
   • Indicator of how many residents live within a certain distance (1.5 miles) of a sensor, reflecting equitable access to air quality information.
4. Number of Alerts Issued and Emergency Responses
   • Use of alerts and deployment of mobile monitoring vans as indicators of responsiveness to air quality events.
5. Trends Over Time in Pollutant Levels
   • Long-term data collection to identify seasonal and yearly variations and inform policy decisions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: statescoop.com