Partnerships for Environmental Public Health (PEPH)
Air Quality Monitoring for Citizen Science
May 22, 2015Expert: Ron Williams
Air quality has a significant impact on our health. With new, low-cost sensor technologies and apps, everyday citizens can monitor air pollution on-the-go where they live, work, and play—providing valuable information for individuals and communities, as well as troves of data for scientific research. But how accurate and appropriate are these technologies to meet the goals of the community groups? This podcast explores the potential and limitations of next-generation air quality monitors and offers strategies for citizen scientists as they get started.
Experts
Ron Williams is an Air Climate and Energy (ACE) Task Leader with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Exposure Research Laboratory. His research focus has been upon human exposures to complex environmental mixtures. These efforts have resulted in approximately 130 peer review journal articles and hundreds of presentations at national and international conferences. He is a recognized expert in the area of human exposure monitoring and has been responsible for designing, executing, and summarizing some of the U.S. EPA’s largest human observational panel studies. His current research focuses on evaluating air quality sensors and development of novel monitoring systems for community-based research. He is continuing to develop and lead multi-pollutant human exposure measurement panel studies involving particulate matter, pollutant gases and select air toxics.
For More Information
EPA’s Air Sensor Toolbox for Citizen Scientists
Find detailed technical information, guidance, and funding opportunities related to the use of next-generation air quality monitors for citizen science at this toolbox created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, check out the presentations (videos and slides) from EPA's Community Air Monitoring Training, held on July 9, 2015.
Next Generation Air Measuring Research
Learn about the U.S. EPA’s air sensor research program and find the agency’s latest research findings.
Citizen Science Air Monitoring
Find a useful overview of the types of air monitoring equipment and case studies on the use of these devices in citizen science projects from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
SciStarter
Find low-cost science projects for adults and children at this citizen science website.
Related Environmental Health Chat Episodes:
We want your feedback!
Send comments, questions, and suggestions for future podcast topics to podcast@niehs.nih.gov.
to Top