Public health group receives federal money to expand healthy air network
Public health group receives federal money to expand healthy air network WWLP.com
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Curbing Air Pollution in Massachusetts
The Public Health Institute of western Massachusetts has received a federal earmark to help curb air pollution.
Introduction
One out of every 11 people in Massachusetts suffer from asthma, but one group is looking to keep people safe by curbing air pollution. The Public Health Institute of western Massachusetts received a $370,000 federal earmark in order to expand their healthy air network. The healthy air network’s goal is to track air quality on a local level.
Mobile App Development
Senior Director Sarita Hudson says the development of their mobile app stands with one purpose, “What we want to do is to get this information out to people in the community in a way that is accessible and easy for them to use.”
Air Quality in Massachusetts
While Massachusetts ranks as one of the better states for air quality across the country, a study by Boston College found that 15,000 cases of pediatric asthma across the state are caused by air pollution. These air quality monitors give readings every two minutes, providing real time data for those who struggle with respiratory illnesses.
Empowering Individuals
Hudson says this information gives these people more freedom, “We really want to think about how you help people understand what is the air quality today? How does that impact them? And so they can take action for themselves.”
Sustainable Development Goals
The efforts of the Public Health Institute of western Massachusetts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Specifically, their work contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by addressing the issue of air pollution and its impact on respiratory health.
Future Challenges
Since the Canadian wildfires in 2023, one study says Massachusetts will experience double the amount of bad air quality days in the next 30 years.
Local News
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Jack Wu joined the 22News Storm Team in July 2023. Follow Jack on X @the_jackwu and view his bio to see more of his work.
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
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.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Air quality monitors providing real-time data on air pollution levels.
- The development of a mobile app to track and disseminate air quality information.
- Number of cases of pediatric asthma caused by air pollution.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| 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 cases of pediatric asthma caused by air pollution. |
| 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. | – Air quality monitors providing real-time data on air pollution levels. – The development of a mobile app to track and disseminate air quality information. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Number of cases of pediatric asthma caused by air pollution. – Air quality monitors providing real-time data on air pollution levels. |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: wwlp.com
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