We received funding through an EPA community science initiative to respond to residents' concerns about expanding infrastructure in the Ohio Valley.
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Our work spans several counties in Eastern Ohio and the West Virginia Panhandle.​​
HERE'S WHAT WE'RE UP TO:
MEETING WITH COMMUNITIES
ADVOCATING FOR PROTECTIONS
We are attending local community events to hear concerns, showcase air monitoring technology, and spread the word about our air monitoring efforts.
INSTALLING MONITORS
We are placing air monitoring devices in communities where residents are concerned about industrial activity and the potential health impacts of being in proximity of these facilities.
We will share the results of the scientific data generated by our equipment with the public to better advocate for protections, strengthen partnerships, and provide peace of mind.
Why is this work important?
​A large portion of the Ohio Valley is dominated by unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD), petrochemical,
and waste infrastructure.
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These facilities release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful particle pollution into the air table which can adversely impact human health.
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Scientific studies like ours seek to examine the association of community health and pollution exposure from these facilities.
Photo: Ted Auch, FracTracker Alliance
Ambient air quality is categorized at different levels according to the EPA's national air quality index, or AQI.
Higher numbers reflect higher pollution levels, which are indicative of a greater health risk.​​
The AQI is a powerful tool for understanding daily air quality levels, empowering you to take precautions to reduce your exposure to air pollution.​
However, it doesn't capture data about hyper-local pollution plumes and pollution sources coming from facilities right in your neighborhood.​
That's where we come in.
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What are our goals?
1.
Consult local residents to find best locations for monitoring equipment
2.
Collect data on air pollution trends and plume events
3.
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Collaborate with communities to advocate for better air quality
4.
Develop recommendations for better public health protections
Share these findings with the community and regulators at the local, state, and federal level
What kind of equipment are we using to monitor air quality?
PurpleAir monitors may be small, unassuming devices, but they are crucial for monitoring air quality trends at a community level.
They measure particle pollution on an AQI scale and automatically upload this data to their public map servers in real time!
In addition to providing us with data on localized air quality trends, these monitors allow hosts and neighbors to have easily accessible data on air quality in their communities with just a quick glance on their phone!
Click the photo to view PurpleAir's real-time air quality map!
Sensit SPod System
SPod Systems are the backbone of our project due to their extensive capabilities.
They monitor VOC levels, collect coinciding data on weather conditions, and allow us to take air samples when large plumes of VOCs are detected.
Using these devices enables our team to identify trends and capture pollution events. Laboratory analysis of air samples allows us to determine the compounds present in pollution plumes and their quantity.
Click the photo to learn more about the Sensit SPod!
Thanks for being here.
We're excited by your interest in our work!
MEET
OUR TEAM