Sierra Club working to better monitor Lancaster County air pollution
Sierra Club working to better monitor Lancaster County air pollution LNP | LancasterOnline
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Lancaster County Sierra Club Implements Air Pollution Monitoring Program
Lancaster County Sierra Club members are taking action to address air pollution concerns in the county. They have recruited volunteers to install air pollution monitors at their homes in order to gather more data on the hazards of fine particles to residents’ health.
PurpleAir Monitors for Increased Data Collection
The Sierra Club is partnering with PurpleAir, a company that sells air quality monitors, to install 10 PurpleAir monitors at volunteers’ homes. The data collected by these monitors will feed into a real-time map, available at lanc.news/purpleairmap, which provides hyper-local data on particulate matter pollution.
Particulate matter consists of aerosols like soot, dust, pollen, or smoke. These particles can enter the nose, lungs, and even the bloodstream, causing health issues such as worsened asthma, decreased lung function, and strain on the heart.
Importance of Additional Monitoring Stations
The Sierra Club’s initiative is in response to the county’s two state-regulated air pollution monitors, which are deemed insufficient. The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report gave Lancaster County a failing grade for short-term particle pollution. Additional monitoring stations can provide a more comprehensive understanding of air quality in the county.
The state Department of Environmental Protection has also raised concerns about localized pollution near one of the monitoring stations in Leacock Township, which may have skewed the county’s overall results.
Installation and Functionality of PurpleAir Monitors
The Sierra Club purchased the PurpleAir monitors for $248 each, including the power cord. Once installed, these monitors will automatically feed data into the PurpleAir crowd-sourced map. The monitors are small white canisters that can be mounted on walls or fence posts.
Volunteers simply need to ensure that the monitors have a power source and a WiFi signal. The data collected will be the first step, and the Sierra Club hopes to partner with a local university to analyze the data in the future.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – By monitoring air pollution and raising awareness, the Sierra Club aims to protect residents’ health and improve overall well-being.
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The project contributes to creating sustainable cities by addressing air pollution and promoting a healthier environment.
- Goal 13: Climate Action – Air pollution is closely linked to climate change, and this initiative helps to mitigate its impact by monitoring and reducing pollution levels.
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The Sierra Club’s collaboration with PurpleAir and potential partnership with a local university demonstrate the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development.
Conclusion
The Sierra Club’s air pollution monitoring program in Lancaster County highlights the need for increased data collection and awareness of the health risks associated with particulate matter pollution. By involving volunteers and utilizing PurpleAir monitors, the club aims to generate more accurate and localized data to address air pollution concerns. This initiative aligns with several SDGs, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and creating healthier communities.
Learn More
- Attend a Sierra Club Lancaster Group meeting on Wednesday, April 17 at The Stone Independent School in Lancaster city to hear from residents who have installed PurpleAir monitors and learn how you can participate in generating local air pollution data.
- Visit the PurpleAir website to learn more about their air quality monitors: https://www2.purpleair.com/
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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?
- Number of air pollution monitors installed in the county
- Frequency of spikes in soot levels
- Average annual particulate matter pollution levels
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 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 air pollution monitors installed in the county |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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. | Frequency of spikes in soot levels |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Average annual particulate matter pollution levels |
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Source: lancasteronline.com
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