Neighborhood Air Quality Study
Donation protected
SASY neighbors are raising funds for an independent air quality study. Starting in 2018, the SASY Environmental Committee began installing a network of air quality sensors to measure fine particle concentrations in the neighborhood. The sensors are addressing long-time air quality concerns about industrial air pollution emissions in our neighborhood and potential risks to a new affordable housing development on Fair Oaks Avenue.
The recent availability of low-cost air sensors empowers us to better understand our local air quality. The sensor measurements are continuously uploaded and can be viewed in real-time on the manufacturer’s website - purpleair.com. They are also posted on websites hosted by Weather Underground and IQ Air. There are hundreds of similar sensors throughout the world. Environmental agencies like USEPA and WDNR are supporting their use.
The PurpleAir sensors we use continuously measure fine particles, known as PM2.5 and PM10. According to USEPA, fine particles can penetrate deep into our lungs and possibly enter the bloodstream. Exposure has been linked to premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, irritation of the airways, coughing and difficulty breathing.
The study will be conducted by Javier J. Martinez, UW-Madison graduate with an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a research career focused on energy and urban air quality. An undergraduate student with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a research interest in air pollution and environmental policy will also be assisting with the project.
Here are the proposed phases of the study:
Phase to be completed in May – Gather measurements from PurpleAir sensors and WDNR stations - $800
Phase to be completed by June 2 – Evaluate impact of emissions within the neighborhood and apply a correction factor from WDNR - $1,200
The sensors were funded by the SASY Neighborhood Association in 2018, however this study is being done independently and will help determine if further investigation is necessary.
How donations will be used: All funds raised will be used for the study to evaluate the measurements collected since 2018. We hope to determine if our neighborhood meets the clean air standards, compare sensor measurements with those from the WDNR regional monitor, and determine if our air quality is impacted by specific emission sources.
Your donation of any amount is greatly appreciated!
The recent availability of low-cost air sensors empowers us to better understand our local air quality. The sensor measurements are continuously uploaded and can be viewed in real-time on the manufacturer’s website - purpleair.com. They are also posted on websites hosted by Weather Underground and IQ Air. There are hundreds of similar sensors throughout the world. Environmental agencies like USEPA and WDNR are supporting their use.
The PurpleAir sensors we use continuously measure fine particles, known as PM2.5 and PM10. According to USEPA, fine particles can penetrate deep into our lungs and possibly enter the bloodstream. Exposure has been linked to premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, irritation of the airways, coughing and difficulty breathing.
The study will be conducted by Javier J. Martinez, UW-Madison graduate with an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a research career focused on energy and urban air quality. An undergraduate student with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a research interest in air pollution and environmental policy will also be assisting with the project.
Here are the proposed phases of the study:
Phase to be completed in May – Gather measurements from PurpleAir sensors and WDNR stations - $800
Phase to be completed by June 2 – Evaluate impact of emissions within the neighborhood and apply a correction factor from WDNR - $1,200
The sensors were funded by the SASY Neighborhood Association in 2018, however this study is being done independently and will help determine if further investigation is necessary.
How donations will be used: All funds raised will be used for the study to evaluate the measurements collected since 2018. We hope to determine if our neighborhood meets the clean air standards, compare sensor measurements with those from the WDNR regional monitor, and determine if our air quality is impacted by specific emission sources.
Your donation of any amount is greatly appreciated!
Organizer
Heather Driscoll
Organizer
Madison, WI