Title Air quality enhancement districts: democratizing data to improve respiratory health /
Authors Stevens, Kelly A ; Bryer, Thomas A ; Yu, Haofei
DOI 10.1007/s13412-021-00670-9
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Is Part of Journal of environmental studies and sciences.. New York : Springer. 2021, vol. 11, iss.4, p. 702-707.. ISSN 2190-6483. eISSN 2190-6491
Keywords [eng] air quality ; citizen science ; COVID-19
Abstract [eng] The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently acknowledged that the principal mode for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) to spread is through airborne particles. Reducing levels of particulate matter, a form of air pollutant, may decrease the spread of the virus and save lives. In this article, we propose establishing local Air Quality Enhancement Districts using low-cost air quality sensors. Air quality sensors provide more detailed data on particulate matter concentrations than what is currently provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which will allow communities and individuals to make better informed decisions about activities during poor air quality days. The core principles behind local Air Quality Enhancement Districts is to (1) provide citizens with more localized data on air quality, (2) raise awareness on localized pollution and health impacts related to COVID-19, and (3) empower citizens and local governments to take quick actions to reduce exposure and respiratory distress during times of poor air quality.
Published New York : Springer
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2021
CC license CC license description