You are here:
Citizen Science Air Monitoring in the Ironbound Community
Citation:
Barzyk, T., R. Williams, A. Kaufman, M. Greenberg, M. OShea, P. Sheridan, A. Hoang, A. Teitz, C. Ash, M. Mustafa, AND S. Garvey. Citizen Science Air Monitoring in the Ironbound Community. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-16/049, 2016.
Impact/Purpose:
This collaboration provided for community-based participatory environmental monitoring of the particulate matter size fraction 2.5 micron (PM2.5) and gaseous nitrogen dioxide (NO2), as pollutants chosen jointly by the ORD, Region 2, and the Ironbound Community using an environmental sensor pod designed by ORD for the particular needs of the community. ORD provided technical commentary on the general research study plans developed by the Ironbound Community/Region 2 and provided data analysis expertise concerning data summarization options ultimately shared with the community. The primary objective of this effort was to develop the approach (Toolbox) needed to support such activities and ensure its success. The ultimate goal of these cumulative efforts was the estimation of local pollution levels by the efforts of citizen scientists and determination of the lessons learned associated with the use of a low-cost sensor pod for environmental monitoring.
Description:
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) mission is to protect human health and the environment. To move toward achieving this goal, EPA is facilitating identification of potential environmental concerns, particularly in vulnerable communities. This includes actively supporting citizen science projects and providing communities with the information and assistance they need to conduct their own air pollution monitoring efforts. The Air Sensor Toolbox for Citizen Scientists1 was developed as a resource to meet stakeholder needs. Examples of materials developed for the Toolbox and ultimately pilot tested in the Ironbound Community in Newark, New Jersey are reported here. The Air Sensor Toolbox for Citizen Scientists is designed as an online resource that provides information and guidance on new, low-cost compact technologies used for measuring air quality. The Toolbox features resources developed by EPA researchers that can be used by citizens to effectively collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate air quality data. The resources include information about sampling methods, how to calibrate and validate monitors, options for measuring air quality, data interpretation guidelines, and low-cost sensor performance information. This Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) project provided an opportunity for the Office of Research and Development (ORD) to work collaboratively with EPA Region 2 to provide the Ironbound Community with a “Toolbox” specific for community-based participatory environmental monitoring in their community.