Wayne County launches network of 100 air quality monitors
Wayne Co. launches network of air quality monitors to track pollution Detroit News
sdgtalks
Air Quality Monitors Installed in Wayne County to Track Pollution
A network of air quality monitors that will help Wayne County residents track what’s in the air, including particulate matter such as dust, soot or wildfire smoke, are now operational throughout the county.
The county partnered with Detroit environmental technology company JustAir Solutions to install 100 air quality monitors throughout all 43 Wayne County communities. The network is designed to help residents track and understand their local air quality and advocate for cleaner air.
Monitoring results are available at waynecounty.com/airquality and the JustAir app. Residents also can subscribe to alerts that notify them when pollution readings are high.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
“Data is power,” Wayne County Health Director Dr. Abdul El-Sayed said in a press release. “By understanding the quality of the air we breathe in real time, we are empowering community members with the information they need to protect themselves and to hold the polluters who poison our air accountable.”
The Wayne County network expands the number of locally controlled air quality monitors in Metro Detroit. The city of Dearborn installed 10 monitors throughout the city early this year, and environmental community groups also have networks of monitors throughout the region.
Project Committee and Data Collection
- A 25-person committee of community leaders helped guide the project, according to a JustAir press release.
- County leaders, JustAir, and the committee also used EPA environmental justice data to decide where to place the monitors.
“With the leaders we have at the table, we’re confident this data will be used to spark behavioral changes in residents, as well as long-term environmental and policy changes across the county,” said Darren Riley, JustAir CEO and founder.
Measurement of Pollutants
The monitors collect information about particulate matter pollution, which is particles such as dust, soot or wildfire smoke that can get into people’s lungs and bloodstreams and cause serious heart and lung issues.
Most of the monitors also measure nitrogen dioxide, which is emitted by fossil fuel burning and causes respiratory issues; it’s also a component of acid rain.
Some also collect readings of nitrogen oxides, which are similar to nitrogen dioxide, and ozone, which is created by a reaction between nitrogen and volatile organic compound emissions combine in sunlight. Ozone exposure can trigger asthma and other breathing issues.
Wayne County’s Air Quality Grade
The American Lung Association recently gave Wayne County a failing grade for ozone and particulate matter pollution in its 2024 State of the Air report.
Future Plans
Later this summer, Wayne County will distribute 500 mobile air quality monitors to Wayne County residents for another portion of the project.
ckthompson@detroitnews.com
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
The article discusses the installation of air quality monitors in Wayne County to track and understand local air quality. This directly relates to SDG 3, as it aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Monitoring air quality can help identify potential health risks and enable residents to take necessary precautions.
The initiative also aligns with SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By providing residents with information about their local air quality, the project aims to empower them to advocate for cleaner air and hold polluters accountable.
Furthermore, the installation of air quality monitors contributes to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Monitoring particulate matter pollution and nitrogen dioxide emissions helps identify sources of pollution and supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
The installation of air quality monitors in Wayne County contributes to SDG 3.9 by providing residents with real-time information about air quality. This empowers them to protect themselves from hazardous chemicals and pollution-related illnesses.
The initiative also supports SDG 11.6 by focusing on air quality in cities. By monitoring and understanding local air quality, the project aims to reduce the adverse environmental impact of the county and promote sustainable waste management practices.
Additionally, the project aligns with SDG 13.2 by integrating climate change measures into local policies and strategies. Monitoring air quality helps identify sources of pollution and supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of deaths and illnesses related to hazardous chemicals and air pollution
- Adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
- Integration of climate change measures into local policies and strategies
While the article does not provide specific data or indicators, the installation of air quality monitors can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. Monitoring air quality can provide data on pollutant levels, which can be used to assess the number of deaths and illnesses related to hazardous chemicals and air pollution.
The data collected from the monitors can also be used to evaluate the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, specifically in terms of air quality. Comparing air quality data over time can help track improvements or identify areas where further action is needed.
Furthermore, the integration of air quality monitoring into local policies and strategies demonstrates progress towards integrating climate change measures. The presence of these monitors indicates a commitment to addressing air pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. 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 deaths and illnesses related to hazardous chemicals and air pollution |
| 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. | – Adverse per capita environmental impact of cities |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Integration of climate change measures into local policies and strategies |
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: detroitnews.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
