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Air Quality 101: A Background on Air Pollution
Citation:
Duvall, R., A. Clements, AND R. Freed. Air Quality 101: A Background on Air Pollution. Presented at Train-the-Trainer Webinar Series with select Librarians from the LA Public Library, Research Triangle Park, NC, May 26 - 28, 2020.
Impact/Purpose:
To determine ambient air quality conditions around the U.S., certain air pollutants are measured at a limited number of sites using expensive, regulatory-grade instruments. New, lower-cost air sensors have become available to the public who are using the devices to learn more about air quality in their communities. This effort launches an air sensor loan program at the Los Angeles Public Library system and provides librarians, and others, with the tools they need to assist patrons in using the sensors and exploring air quality. As part of the program, air sensors can be checked out by library patrons similar to checking out a book. This research is important as it advances our knowledge of air sensors and promotes citizen science/community involvement in research. This research also addresses EPA’s goals of collaborating with impacted stakeholders and providing ways for the public to engage in research studies. Groups that would be interested or could apply the results from this research include public libraries, museums, schools, communities, state/local/tribal air agencies, EPA Regional Offices, and other federal agencies.
Description:
The Air Sensor Loan Program at the Los Angeles Public Library offers library patrons the opportunity to learn more about air quality in their communities through the use of handheld particulate matter (PM) sensors. These presentation slides, first offered at a train-the-trainer webinar for librarians, introduce important background information about air quality and is designed to give librarians the working knowledge necessary to interact with patrons on this important topic. The presentation contains several links to EPA websites where librarians and patrons can further explore the topics and information presented. This resource may also be useful to other education-oriented groups including libraries, museums, schools, clubs, communities, state/local/tribal air agencies, EPA Regional Offices, and other federal agencies.